Zoe Ball has announced her mother has died following a cancer diagnosis after the radio host took some time away from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show.
The broadcaster has been updating fans on her mother Julia Peckham's condition, revealing last week she had gone into a hospice.
Earlier today, Ball, 53, took to social media to pen a heartbreaking tribute to her late mother.
She wrote: "Sleep tight dear Mama," along with a photo of Julia.
The caption continued: "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."
Gaby Roslin, who had been stepping in for Ball on Wednesday's show, also announced the news to listeners.
"It's no secret Zoe has been off for a little while looking after her mum, Julia," she began as she opened the show.
Roslin continued: "Very sadly, Julia lost her fight yesterday and we're all obviously sending so much love to Zoe and the whole family.
"It’s a horrible, awful time – and I know so many of you have been through this, loving a parent and a loved one, and I think the one thing I’d like to pass on is: grief has no rule. There are no rules about this at all."
Zoe announced the death of her mother on Wednesday
BBC/Instagram
She went on to speak directly to her co-star, stating: "Zoe, you know I have got your back – I’ll always have your back.
"I love you dearly, you’re a very dear friend and all of us on the team love you and send you so much love.
“And to anybody else who is fighting the fight and being as brave as they can be, I am sending you lots of love as well."
She then played Fleetwood Mac's Songbird. Announcing the news about her mother's illness recently, Ball had informed listeners: "I'm trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama. Thanks to Gaby for stepping in.
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Zoe has been updating fans on her mother's condition
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Last week, she talked about her mother moving to a hospice and dedicated a song to the paramedics who had “gently” helped with the move.
