Zoe Ball's son speaks out over BBC Radio 2 absence and says 'I've stepped up'

Zoe Ball has been receiving unwavering support from her son Woody Cook amid her prolonged absence from the BBC Radio 2 airwaves.

The 53-year-old broadcaster hasn't been on her show since 8 August, leaving fans puzzled about her whereabouts. Zoe was lately observed in a tender moment with her ex-husband Norman Cook, famously known as Fatboy Slim, prompting concerns from her admirers. The two were photographed outside a café in Hove, reportedly spending just over an hour together.

Following an unexpected hiatus from her popular morning radio programme, Zoe is anticipated to make her return this coming Monday as per the most recent schedules. While she's been away, Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills have stepped in to fill her shoes.

Woody, 23, discussed his relationship with his mother in a conversation with MailOnline: "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.", reports the Mirror.

Meanwhile, BBC insiders remain tight-lipped regarding the exact date of Zoe's comeback, simply indicating that they are awaiting Zoe's guidance. Comments from the station vaguely suggested that she should "return later this month".

Taking over from Zoe Ball while she was away, Scott Mills eased the worries of his morning listeners in August as he declared on 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."

In a trailblazer moment back in 2019, Zoe