Heartbreak as BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball announces death of her 'dear mama' Julia after cancer battle

Zoe Ball has revealed her mother has died following a heartbreaking cancer diagnoses as she paid tribute to her 'dear mama'. 

It comes just days after Zoe, 53, revealed mother Julia had been moved into a hospice following  a pancreatic cancer diagnosis last month.

The Radio 2 DJ announced her mother's passing on social media just before 5am this morning.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, at 4.44am, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama.

'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.'