2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Jamie Roberts, Amy Jones)
Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inbox We have more newsletters Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inbox We have more newsletters There's been a whisper from inside the BBC about Zoe Ball's five-week break from her Radio 2 duties. The much-loved presenter, 53, has been noticeably absent since 8 August, leading to Scott Mills and Gaby Roslin stepping up to the microphone. Filling Zoe's shoes, both Gaby and Scott have been keeping her seat warm, but there's been no word from the BBC on what's kept Zoe away during the sunny season.
Yet, this week saw an insider revealed "nobody knows what has happened", as they shared: "Nobody knows what has happened but everyone loves Zoe." Speaking to Mail Online, they added: "We hope everything is okay. Zoe is so loved at the BBC so to not have her around is really noticeable.
" Earlier in the year, Zoe had paused her broadcast work for some personal time following the heartbreaking loss of her mother in April due to cancer and a round of emergency dental surgery, reports the Mirror . However, there's a growing sense of unrest among listeners over what some consider to be excessive breaks taken by Zoe without any explanation to viewers. The Radio 2 schedule confirms Scott Mills will continue steering the ship for the rest of this week.
Meanwhile, over on X, formerly Twitter, the rumblings of dissatisfaction are clear to see. One user sharply criticised: "Is this a BBC scandal, complete misuse of licence payers funds. Zoe Ball gets to pick and choose her contract terms and conditions.
She never a work, more holidays than you can imagine. Are we mugs paying for this. No comment.
" Another individual stated: "Why are the BBC still paying Zoe ball when she is still off air, just get rid of her for someone who does want to work early morning shift. Just saying." Someone else added their thoughts and remarked: "Question why is Zoe Ball never at work, anybody else would be sacked.
..You pay your licence for this.
" "Not forgetting Zoe Ball BBC radio 2 always on the sick with full pay ! From the licence paying British public!" another voiced. Yet amid the criticism, there have also been messages of concern and support for Zoe, whose exact reasons for being off-air haven't been disclosed. Sign up to OK!'s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free Following her absence from Radio 2 In The Park, one supporter commented: "Listening and watching all the #R2InThePark content.
What has happened to Zoe Ball? She's been off the Radio for 5 weeks in total - no mention of her whatsoever the last few weeks. I hope she's ok." Another offered positive words and urged: "Zoe, not sure if you read these comments but just to say that I hope you're ok.
Take time, stay strong." In response to the situation, a BBC spokesperson assured everyone by previously stating to the Mirror: "Zoe will return to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show later this month.".
