Zoe Ball announces death of her ‘dear mama’ Julia following short battle with pancreatic cancer – days after BBC Radio 2 DJ told fans her mother had been moved into a hospice [Video]

01:47 EDT 24 Apr 2024, updated 03:47 EDT 24 Apr 2024

Zoe Ball has told fans she is ‘bereft’ following the death of her ‘dear mama’ Julia. 

The BBC Radio 2 star announced in early March that her mother had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was being ‘incredibly brave’.

Earlier this week, the 53-year-old told her BBC Radio 2 listeners Julia had been  transferred to a hospice, as she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to paramedics who helped her. 

Just before 5am on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother’s passing on Instagram. In a tribute, she said: ‘Sleep tight dear Mama.

‘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.