Two years after a tragic event, Zoe Ball, aged 55, has shared insights into an emotional journey she undertook while taking a break from her role on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Following her mother Julia’s passing due to advanced pancreatic cancer in April, Zoe decided to step away from the show temporarily before eventually resigning in December 2024.

In an interview with The Sunday Times Style Magazine earlier this year, Zoe recounted her trip to Scotland shortly after her mother’s death, where she embarked on a solo drive to the Isle of Skye, a place her mom cherished and used to sing ‘The Skye Boat Song’ to Zoe as a child and later to her grandchildren.

Despite encountering poor weather conditions that obscured the stunning views, Zoe reflected on the experience with fondness, driving around the lochs, reminiscing about her mother, and sharing how she continues to have conversations with her late mom.

Additionally, Zoe disclosed scattering her mother’s ashes in Crete and keeping the rest at home, recalling a lighthearted but emotional conversation where her mom jokingly suggested being placed in a bin, to which Zoe lovingly declined.

The emotional journey continued for Zoe as she delved into her mother’s past while filming a BBC documentary series, ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Zoe learned more about her mother’s challenging childhood and the family history, including her grandmother’s struggles that deeply resonated with Zoe.

Zoe Ball’s episode of ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ is scheduled to air on BBC One on Tuesday, May 26, at 9 pm.