Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook breaks silence on BBC Radio 2 presenters' absence

Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook has broken his silence on his mother's absence from BBC Radio 2 in recent weeks, saying he has 'stepped up' to support her.

Zoe Ball's son, Woody Cook, has been her rock during her recent absence from the BBC Radio 2 airwaves.

The much-loved presenter, 53, has not been heard on her show since August 8, leaving listeners puzzled about her whereabouts. However, she was recently seen being comforted by her former husband Norman Cook, known to many as Fatboy Slim, in Hove, causing a stir among her followers, reports the Mirror.

They were spotted at a local cafe, where they reportedly spent just over an hour together.

After her unexpected hiatus, Zoe is expected to return to her radio slot this coming Monday, as per the latest schedule updates. In the interim, Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills have been filling in for her.

Woody, 23, who is shared with Fatboy Slim, opened up to MailOnline regarding his relationship with his mother: "My mum and I like to keep our private lives to ourselves but I will say I have stepped up and spent a lot more time with her recently as she has always been there when I've had tough times. I'm glad to see her smiling."

As for Zoe's official return, sources have yet to confirm the exact date, with the station awaiting Zoe's decision. A rather ambiguous statement indicated that she would "return later this month".

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While covering for Zoe earlier in August, Scott told listeners on the air: "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."

Zoe took over the coveted morning slot back in 2019, stepping into the shoes of Chris Evans who parted ways with BBC Radio 2's breakfast show after an eight-year run, before he joined Virgin Radio. Notably, she was notably the first female anchor of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show back in 1998 and remained until 2000.

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Her broadcasting career also includes co-presenting the beloved children's TV show Live and Kicking with Jamie Theakston from 1996 to 1999. Zoe's portfolio extends to hosting duties on the popular Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two and helming ITVs reality series Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

As of last year, with her annual earnings hitting £950,000, Zoe became the BBC's highest-paid woman. Her last stint on the airwaves in August followed a sun-kissed vacation in Ibiza and an appearance at Brighton Pride before briefly returning to the show for a trio of days.

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