Concerns grow over the star’s five-week absence from her Radio 2 show.
Fans and colleagues of Zoe Ball have expressed concern, as she has been absent from hosting her Radio 2 breakfast show for five weeks.
The star, who earns £950,000 annually as the BBC’s highest-paid woman, last presented the program over a month ago, on August 8.
Prior to her departure, Ms. Ball took a vacation to Ibiza with her son, Woody, and daughter, Nelly, and participated in Brighton Pride. Following her return, she resumed her professional duties for a period of three days before exiting the show.
During her absence, Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills have served as substitutes. The BBC has not provided a detailed explanation for her absence; however, a spokeswoman did confirm last week that Ms. Ball is expected to return later this month.
Ms. Ball, aged 53, has notably reduced her social media activity, with her most recent Instagram post dated August 5. This post included a photograph of her with her two children, accompanied by a caption expressing that she was ‘jet lagged, Brighton Pride lagged [and] Ibiza lagged.’
According to an insider within the BBC, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, “No one is aware of the specifics of the situation, but Zoe is well-regarded by everyone.”
“We hope everything is alright. Zoe is deeply cherished at the BBC, and her absence is significantly felt.”
It is understood that the Corporation has been approached by fans expressing concern for her well-being.
However, some listeners have expressed disapproval regarding her unexplained absence. One tweet read: “Is this a BBC scandal, representing a gross misuse of license fee payers’ funds? Zoe Ball appears to be able to dictate her contract terms and conditions at will.”
“She is seldom present at work, with more holidays than one can count. Are we, the taxpayers, being taken advantage of? No further comment.”
Another commenter noted, “Why is the BBC continuing to pay Zoe Ball while she remains off the air? They should replace her with someone willing to work the early morning shift.”
In March, Ms. Ball announced that she would be taking leave to care for her mother, Julia Peckham, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Julia Peckham passed away in April, and Ms. Ball resumed her duties on May 13. The previous year, Ms. Ball took a three-week hiatus in Corfu to host Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream for the competing network ITV.
