BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has been inundated with messages of support as she issued a health update to fans. It comes as the long-serving broadcaster was missing from today's (Jan 30) show, where she is typically heard hosting the early morning slot from 6.30am to 9.30am on weekdays.
Listeners were surprised when instead of Zoe's voice, they heard her replacement's - Radio 1 DJ Vernon Kay. Explaining her absence from the show, Zoe took to Twitter to shares a health update and to thank Vernon for filling in.
"So I’ve got coronavirus," she said. “But good news is ya man @Vernonkay is looking after y’all @BBCRadio2. Back soon." Many fans were devastated by the news, including fellow celeb pals.
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TV presenter Rylan Clark replied: “Noooooooooo." Musician Tom Bertram commented: “Feel better soon.” Louise Redknapp added: “Hope you’re ok lovely." BBC Sport's Sanny Rudravajhala wrote: "Get well soon Zoe! Hope it isn’t too bad!!"
"Really will miss you get well soon. Love Vernon though as well… Proper northern legend,” a fan said. A second added: "Zoe, I hope you are feeling better soon, rest up, drink plenty and know we are all wishing you well. Vernon have a great time x." A third put: "Ah feel better soon Zoe, lots of rest and take good care of yourself. Sure Vernon will keep us entertained in the meantime."
Vernon, who has stepped in when Zoe has been unwell before, also informed his followers of the schedule change. He said: “Couple of mornings on @BBCRadio2 coming up!! Get well quickly @ZoeTheBall 5am wake up’s play havoc with the eye bags!! See you tomorrow from 6.30AM."
In 2019, Zoe took over the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show from Chris Evans, and has been a firm favourite at the station ever since. She was the first female host of both Radio 1 Breakfast and The Radio 2 Breakfast Show for the BBC. She also presented the 1990s children's show Live and Kicking, alongside Jamie Theakston from 1996–1999.
Meanwhile, Vernon Kay, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, is no stranger to presenting duties. He hosted his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012 and presented his own show on Radio X between 2015 and 2017.
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