Zoe Ball has shared a beautiful tribute to her late mum Julia, who passed away in April.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter announced Julia's death earlier this year, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She has now taken to Instagram to share a heartfelt message to commemorate her mum's birthday (August 2).
"Happy heavenly birthday Mama," Ball wrote alongside a picture of Julia.
"Your beautiful beaming smile shining down on our hearts always but boy, losing you is harder than I could ever have imagined. Holding on so tight, letting the tears come & wishing on the stars."
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Many of Ball's friends and colleagues took to the comments section to send their well wishes, including Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman who posted three hearts.
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Gaby Roslin, who covered Ball's flagship radio show after Julia's death, said: "Darling Zoe sending you the tightest hugs and so much love always."
Loose Women star Ruth Langsford wrote: "Sending you love and a huge hug. Hold your memories close," with BBC Radio 4 host Amol Rajan adding: "Eternal love and affection beloved Zoe."
Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Edith Bowman echoed the sentiment: "Bundles of love to you angel."
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In May, Ball posted a "goodbye" tribute to her mum following her funeral. Alongside a gallery of family photos, she wrote: "Yesterday we said goodbye to our dear Mama, Granny J. It was the perfect day and she would have loved it.
"Forever in our hearts Mama, thank you for your magic & love. Missing you so much but holding tight to each other."
The broadcaster also revealed that she and her brother Jamie will be fundraising sometime in the future on behalf of St Peter & St James Hospice and Pancreatic Cancer UK.
"Let's just hope one day more can be done to help those diagnosed," she added.
The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show airs between 6.30am and 9.30am on BBC Radio 2 every weekday.
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
Sara is an entertainment journalist who specialises in TV and film. After studying journalism at the University of Roehampton, Sara joined Digital Spy in 2023, writing news (and the occasional feature) on all things entertainment. She has also written for the culture desk at The Evening Standard. A lover of all things TV and film, Sara can wax lyrical about everything from Bridgerton to The Witcher. She can also recite entire episodes of New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks and Recreation. In her spare time, Sara loves to knit, crochet and cross-stitch. Also a musical theatre aficionado, Sara counts Samantha Barks as one of her heroes and is a loyal fan of Jodie Comer.
