Zoe Ball pays tribute to mum who died of cancer: 'Your smile will light the stars to guide us'
24 April 2024, 08:21 | Updated: 24 April 2024, 13:55
Broadcaster Zoe Ball says her family are "bereft" following her mother's death from cancer.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter paid tribute to her mother Julia Peckham for "teaching us how to love unconditionally" and said: "Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us."
Ball, 53, shared news of her mother's death on social media with a younger picture of her and the caption: "Sleep tight dear Mama."
Ball had announced her mother's "heartbreaking" diagnosis in early March, saying it had been an "extremely tough" time but "mum is being incredibly brave".
At the time, the presenter confirmed that Gaby Roslin would "occasionally" replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show in the following weeks so she could spend time with her mother, who was later taken to a hospice.
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Ball then announced her mother's death in an Instagram post on Wednesday saying: "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."
Woody Cook, the son of Ball and her ex-husband Norman Cook better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram.
"Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman," the 23-year-old said, sharing a picture of his younger self with his grandmother.
Cook, who appeared on the reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother's late husband Rick Peckham.
He said: "The only person who always sent me a valentines card. I know you're with Rick now, give him a hug from me.
"I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the Jungle 'If you get lost, follow the river!' You'll find him at the end."
(c) Sky News 2024: Zoe Ball pays tribute to mum who died of cancer: 'Your smile will light the stars to guide us'
