Previously one of the highest paid stars at the BBC

TV star Zoe Ball, who hosts the VE Day 80 concert for BBC One on Thursday (May 8) evening, has endured several difficult years, including the sad loss of her mum.

Previously one of the highest paid stars at the BBC while a DJ at Radio 2, Zoe is making a special return to the broadcaster to anchor celebrations for the Beeb.

So as Zoe, 54, gets involved with commemorative efforts for VE Day, ED! looks back at the biggest challenges she’s faced.

Zoe Ball has gone through some very tough times (Credit: YouTube)

Cancer diagnosis

In March 2024, a devastated Zoe revealed her mother Julia had been diagnosed with cancer.

Zoe indicated to her followers she’d try to continue with her radio programme as much as possible.

“Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer,” she told X users.

“These are extremely tough times, mum is being incredibly brave. Sending out love to people reading this battling cancer, awaiting diagnosis and also to folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.”

She added: “My brother Jamie and I are completely in awe of the brilliant doctors, nurses, and support teams looking after Mum.”

Death of Zoe Ball’s mum

Sadly, within weeks, Julia passed away, having spent some time being cared for in a hospice.

Sharing a picture of her mother as a young woman on Instagram, Zoe thanked her mother in her post’s caption as she said her mum will “sleep tight”. She also emotionally recalled how Julia’s smile “lit up every room you were in”.

“Sleep tight dear Mama,” Zoe wrote. She continued: “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 and your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.”

Zoe’s former partner took his own life in 2017 (Credit: YouTube)

Boyfriend’s suicide

Zoe’s former partner Billy Yates was only 40 when he took his own life in 2017. They dated for a few months before his passing. Billy, a cameraman, reportedly struggled with depression.

Zoe later reflected: “I believe I was in shock for two years afterwards. It’s like you can’t see beyond putting your feet on the floor and getting out of bed each day. Since losing Billy, I’ve met lots of people who’ve helped me have a better understanding of the complexities of mental health. But also, it’s key to remember there is help available for people living with mental health issues and there is hope.”

She also told the Radio Times: “I’m getting stronger. I’m a tough old cookie. My family have been through a lot. There are moments when you least expect it when grief catches you. But the main thing for me is I’ve found people who have been through this and are doing better. They’ve found some hope.”

In 2018, Zoe was inspired by Billy and cycled more than 350 miles over five days, from Blackpool to Brighton, to raise more than £500,000 for Sport Relief.