Zoe Ball has shared her experiences dealing with the loss of three close family members, including her mother, former partner Billy Yates, and stepfather Rick, over a span of 14 years. In a recent episode of the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, the BBC Radio 2 host discussed how people have reached out to her about similar losses, such as pancreatic cancer and Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which her family members had battled.

She highlighted the impact of MND on her family, leading her to raise awareness about the condition since her stepfather’s passing in 2012. MND is a life-shortening illness with no current cure, though treatments can help manage symptoms.

The tragic suicide of Billy Yates in 2017 added to Zoe’s grief, but she found solace in staying connected with his family and friends. Reflecting on the support she received, Zoe emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with loved ones who share the essence of the departed.

Zoe’s mother, Julia Peckham, passed away in 2024 after battling pancreatic cancer, prompting Zoe to take a break from work and eventually step down from her BBC Radio 2 role. Offering words of comfort to those experiencing grief, Zoe assured listeners that while the journey is tough, happiness and joy can be found again in time.

She encouraged those grieving to seek support from others who have gone through similar experiences, emphasizing that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that joy can return despite the pain of loss.