Zoe Ball fans question her mysterious Radio 2 absence as son returns to social media

Zoe Ball’s fans have questioned her eldest child, Woody Cook, over her extended absence from BBC Radio 2.

Ball, 53, who has been missing from her breakfast show for five weeks, last hosted on August 8, with a series of guest presenters like Scott Mills and Gaby Roslin filling in during her time away.

The BBC has not commented on the reason for her prolonged leave, nor have they confirmed when she will be back.

Woody, 23, who Ball shares with DJ Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, recently took to social media to offer advice to fellow DJs but was quickly flooded with questions about his mother.

One user wrote: "How's your mum doing?" while another added: "Hey, Woody, give your mum our best. We'd love an update on when she'll be back on air!"

Ball had taken some time out from her radio show earlier this year to get emergency dental care and when her mother, Julie Peckham, was diagnosed with cancer.

Peckham passed away shortly after, and the radio host briefly returned to her show in early August before stepping away from the airwaves again.

Ball was devastated by the los, sharing a heart-breaking tribute to her online. It read: "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. Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us."

Her colleague Mills has since addressed her absence, telling listeners: "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."

However, fans have taken to social media to express their concern, with one posting: "What has happened to Zoe Ball? She's been off the radio for five weeks—no mention of her whatsoever. I hope she's ok."

Another added: "I hope #ZoeBall is OK." Many also urged her to “stay strong”. While another said on the station’s social media page: “Hello ZoBo. Hoping all is well in your world, worrying to hear you’ll be out a while.”

Mills will continue to stand in for the mum-of-two all this week, while DJ Spoony and OJ Borg will be taking on Mills’ usual afternoon slot.

The BBC schedule suggests that Ball will return to the airwaves on September 23.