Zoe Ball's son, Woody Cook, has been the rock his mum needed during her time off from the BBC Radio 2 airwaves. The 53-year-old, hasn't graced the airwaves of her show since August 8, leaving her fans rather puzzled about her absence. Adding to the curiosity, she was recently seen in the comforting presence of her ex-husband, the renowned DJ Norman Cook known by many as Fatboy Slim, prompting a wave of concern from her devoted followers.
After an unexpected hiatus from her beloved morning radio slot, Zoe is poised for a return this coming Monday, as per the recent programme schedules. In her absence, Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills have been dutifully manning the fort. Woody, 23, who shares a special bond with his father Norman, has now opened up about her absence.
He told 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." Despite the hints at her imminent return, sources close to the matter have yet to give a definitive confirmation, suggesting the station is keen to take Zoe's cue.
BBC bosses have been supporting Zoe through her "tough" time and her Radio 2 return date has been thrown into doubt after she was told to "take all the time she needs" following the death of her beloved mother, Julia Packham, who died in April. Back in August, when taking over Zoe's hosting duties, Scot addressed the audience, easing their concerns by stating: "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." A source told MailOnline: "Zoe's had a tough few months.
She had the death of her mum in April to deal with and it's not been an easy time for her. She has taken the time off because she needed a break with everything that has been going on for her. Her bosses are being very supportive and just want her to be in a place where she is ready to return to work.
"Zoe is expected to come back before the end of the month. Nobody is telling her an exact date to come back, the decision is very much on her. "She's been told to take all the time she needs.
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