Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 return date appears to have been revealed following her unexplained extended absence.
The 53-year-old beloved broadcaster has been missing from the airwaves since August 8, with Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills covering for her since then.
Many fans voiced their concern as Ball’s absence entered its fifth week with no word as to what was going on and if she was okay.
Previously, a spokesperson for the BBC told the Standard that Ball was expected to return “in September”, now the schedule is showing she is slated to be back behind the mic on September 23.
Ball previously took some time out from her radio show earlier this year due to needing emergency dental care and the death of her mother Julia from cancer.
The former wife of Fatboy Slim was bereft by the loss of Julia, sharing a heartbreaking tribute to her online.
It read: "Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us."
When taking over Ball’s breakfast show on August 12, Mills admitted to listeners that he had not expected to be there himself.
He said: "If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6:30am and normally Zoe comes on, please do not freak out. You have not overslept. If you've just put us on this morning, it's Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I'm sending you all my love Zo', as are the team."
During his time sitting in for Ball, there was an awkward moment where he was forced to interview his own husband on the show.
