Zoe Ball unexplained absence from Radio 2 is extended (original) (raw)

Zoe Ball will be away from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show for another week, extending her unexplained break from broadcasting. The morning slot will remain in the hands of Scott Mills, as indicated by the upcoming week's schedule. He'll take charge from Monday to Friday while DJ Spoony and OJ Borg are set to cover Scott's regular afternoon programme.

Since her last appearance on August 8, Zoe hasn't hosted the breakfast show at all, with Gaby Roslin and Scott filling in. A BBC spokesperson has assured that Zoe will be back on air later this month, but a precise date for her return is still pending confirmation.

When assuming control of the breakfast show on August 12, Scott reassured listeners, who were suddenly surprised by his voice at 6:30am instead of Zoe's, saying: "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." For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter

While some fans have expressed concern about Zoe's wellbeing due to her extended leave, others are less sympathetic, feeling disgruntled that she continues to receive her substantial BBC salary during her absence, reports the Mirror. An insider has revealed a new angle on Zoe's five-week absence, telling MailOnline this week: "nobody knows what has happened but everyone loves Zoe."

Zoe Ball

Zoe in the Radio One studio (Image: bbc)

They continued: "We hope everything is okay. Zoe is so loved at the BBC so to not have her around is really noticeable." Earlier in the year, Zoe took time off from her broadcasting duties due to personal reasons, dealing with the loss of her mother who passed away in April following a cancer diagnosis, and she also had to undergo emergency dental surgery.

X, formerly known as Twitter, has been abuzz with listener dissatisfaction, with one user expressing their frustration: "Is this a BBC scandal, complete misuse of licence payers funds. Zoe Ball gets to pick and choose her contract terms and conditions. She never a work, more holidays than you can imagine. Are we mugs paying for this. No comment."

Another user shared similar thoughts, stating: "Why are the BBC still paying Zoe ball when she is still off air, just get rid of her for someone who does want to work early morning shift. Just saying." For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.

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