Zoe Ball Shares Heartbreaking Last Photo of Mother Julia as BBC Radio 2 DJ Confirms Her Passing from Pancreatic Cancer

Zoe Ball shared what could potentially be the last glimpses of her mother, Julia, during a New Year's getaway in the Caribbean, four months before her heartbreaking passing from pancreatic cancer.

The BBC Radio 2 star confirmed her mother's passing through an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday morning, accompanied by a nostalgic photo of Julia from her younger days.

Ball, 52, had previously disclosed her mother's cancer diagnosis in March, shortly after posting the last photo of Julia taken during a family vacation in Antigua.

During December, the presenter jetted off to the Caribbean with her family, including her son Woody, 23, daughter Nelly, 14, and her mother Julia, for a tropical New Year's break.

Taking to social media on January 7, Ball shared a series of photos and videos from their vacation, including a snapshot of herself and Julia enjoying a night out.

In the caption, she wrote: 'sons suns & daughters, mums bums & daughters, rum tums & blue waters cracking end to 2023 & splendid start to 2024. feeling mighty blessed, rested & a tad tubby.'

Earlier this week, Ball informed her BBC Radio 2 listeners that Julia had been moved to a hospice, as she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to the paramedics who had assisted her mother.

Just before 5 am on Wednesday, the beloved broadcaster took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news of her mother's passing. In a touching tribute, she expressed her love and gratitude for her mother's unwavering love, courage, and laughter.

Following the announcement of her mother's illness last month, Gaby Roslin occasionally filled in for Ball on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, allowing Ball to spend time with her family.

Ball had revealed the difficult news last week that Julia was being transferred to hospice care, acknowledging the challenges the family was facing.

Her son Woody, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), also paid tribute to his grandmother on Instagram, recalling cherished memories and expressing his love.

Ball had first shared her mother's pancreatic cancer diagnosis on March 6, expressing admiration for the medical professionals caring for her mother and gratitude for the support from family and friends.