BBC Radio 2 listeners are used to waking up to Zoe Ball's familiar voice on her Breakfast Show, but the star hasn’t been on the airwaves since 8th August, with radio DJ Scott Mills stepping in for her.
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Mills addressed Ball's absence on 12th August, telling listeners they probably weren't expecting him, before revealing he would be filling in for Ball in the coming weeks.
"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 told listeners.
"I'm here doing the Breakfast Show – do not panic. It's early. You aren't late for work. It's Monday 12th August."
He added: "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."
So, why is the presenter absent and when will she be back in her regular presenting slot? Read on for everything you need to know.
Why is Zoe Ball absent from Radio 2?
Zoe Ball. Richard Grassie/Radio Times
In a statement to the Mirror in regards to the presenter's absence, a spokesperson said: "Zoe is taking time off and will return in September."
RadioTimes.com has reached out to the BBC for further comment.
While a reason has not been given for Ball's absence, she previously took a break from Radio 2 in the spring, before returning to announce that her mother Julia Peckham had been diagnosed with cancer.
"Sadly, heartbreakingly, her cancer is quite advanced, but we're making loads of lovely memories and taking care of her, she has some amazing people around her," she told listeners in March.
"I've had some real heartbreaking messages from people who have lost loved ones to cancer recently, you are all in my heart."
One month later, Zoe shared that her mother Julia had died.
When is Zoe Ball returning to Radio 2?
Express has shared a statement from Radio 2 confirming when Zoe will return.
"Zoe will return to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show later this month," a BBC Radio 2 spokesperson told the publication.
Zoe has been confirmed to be absent from radio for the week commencing Monday 16th September 2024. It is unknown if she will return on the week commencing Monday 23rd September 2024.
Who is Zoe Ball's replacement Scott Mills?
Scott Mills. BBC
Mills is a renowned DJ who has previously presented the Breakfast Show, the Chart Show and the Scott Mills show on BBC Radio 1.
Mills is also an actor, and has starred in the BBC soap Casualty. He has also been a contestant in the 2014 season of Strictly Come Dancing, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Most Haunted, Mastermind, Hollyoaks, and Supermarket Sweep.
Scott is continuing to stand in for Zoe from the week commencing Monday 16th September 2024.
Katelyn Mensah is the Entertainment and Factual Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
