Fans have expressed concern over Zoe Ball’s unexplained BBC Radio absence as her replacement steps in.
The popular presenter last appeared on the Breakfast Show on August 8 and has been radio silent online since August 5.
Scott Mills and Gaby Roslin have been filling in for Zoe, with radio schedules showing Scott is set to host the show for another week from September 16 to 20.
On August 12, Scott addressed the listener’s concerns and announced he would be stepping into hosting duties and he sent ‘all his love’ to Zoe.
‘If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6:30am and normally Zoe comes on, please do not freak out. You have not overslept,’ he said.
‘If you’ve just put us on this morning, it’s Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I’m sending you all my love Zo’, as are the team.’
Neither Zoe nor the BBC have addressed her absence publicly, with an insider telling the Daily Mail that ‘nobody knows what has happened.’
‘Nobody knows what has happened but everyone loves Zoe,’ the source said.
‘We hope everything is okay. Zoe is so loved at the BBC so to not have her around is really noticeable.’
Fans have taken to social media to share their concern, with many sending their well wishes and asking what the cause of her absence may be.
In August, a BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk that Zoe would be taking time off and planned to return in September but offered no further details.
A Radio 2 spokesperson later confirmed to Express.co.uk: ‘Zoe will return to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show later this month.’
The presenter had only just returned to her Breakfast slot on August 5 after a short break for her late mum’s birthday who died suddenly in April 12 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
The radio DJ had announced her mother Julia Peckham’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March, subsequently taking time off work to care for her in what was her last unexpected absence.
After the funeral, Zoe wrote on Instagram: ‘Yesterday we said goodbye to our dear Mama, Granny J. It was the perfect day and she would have loved it.
‘Forever in our hearts Mama, thank you for your magic & love. Missing you so much but holding tight to each other.’
Her mum died on April 24, with Zoe sharing: ‘Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.
‘We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives for the BBC for comment.
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