Zoe Ball’s heartbreak and loss: How BBC icon has overcome tragedy and heartache from the death of her beloved mother and partner Billy Yates – to the end of her 18-year marriage to Fatboy Slim [Video]

04:06 EDT 24 Apr 2024, updated 04:48 EDT 24 Apr 2024

Zoe Ball has overcome a series of tragedies and heartbreak that led her to take time away from Radio 2 to focus on her family. 

The BBC icon, 53,  announced in the early hours of Wednesday morning that her mother Julia had died after a battle with pancreatic cancer following her diagnosis last month.

Posting a tribute to her mother on social media, 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.  We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.’

It is the latest in a string of tragedies the beloved Radio 2 presenter has had to endure. 

Her five-and-a-half year relationship with Michael Reed recently broke down, and seven years ago her partner Billy Yates took his own …