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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham

Zoe Ball replaced on Radio 2 Breakfast Show as she issues urgent health update

BBC Radio 2 listeners got a surprise this morning as usual host Zoe Ball was absent from her Breakfast Show.

The long-serving broadcaster can typically be heard hosting the early morning slot between 6.30 and 9.30am on weekday mornings.

However on Monday, Zoe was suddenly replaced by former Radio 1 DJ Vernon Kay.

Zoe, 52, was inundated with support on Twitter as she shared an update about her ill health and thanked I'm A Celebrity star Vernon for stepping in.

Breaking the news to her 400,000 followers, Zoe revealed: "So I’ve got covid…

“But good news is ya man @vernonkay is looking after y’all @BBCRadio2,” she added with a Face with Medical Mask emoji.

Zoe Ball was absent from her BBC Radio 2 show this morning (PA Archive/PA Images)
Zoe Ball told her followers she's taking some time off with sickness (SWNS.com)

“Back soon," she added hopefully.

Zoe's friends and fans were devastated at the news that their favourite voice wouldn't be on the airwaves this morning.

Taking to the comments, her fellow presenter Rylan Clark wrote: “Noooooooooo,” while musician Tom Bertram wrote: “Feel better soon.” [sic]

“Hope you’re ok lovely,” Louise Redknapp said with a heart emoji.

“Really will miss you get well soon. Love Vernon though as well… Proper northern legend,” a fan penned. [sic]

Vernon, who has stepped in when Zoe has been unwell before, also informed his followers of the schedule change.

“Couple of mornings on @BBCRadio2 coming up!!” Vernon revealed.

“Get well quickly @ZoeTheBall 5am wake up’s play havoc with the eye bags!!" joked the star, before adding to Radio 2's listeners "See you tomorrow from 6.30AM."

The Northerner, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, is no stranger to presenting duties.

Chris Evans, Zoe Ball (BBC)

He hosted his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012 and presented his own show on Radio X between 2015 and 2017.

The star has since moved into motorsports, and now presents live coverage of Formula E for platforms around the world.

While Zoe took over the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show from Chris Evans in 2019 and has been a firm favourite at the station ever since.

Ken Bruce announced he is leaving Radio 2 this month after over three decades at the station (Mike Lawn/REX/Shutterstock)

Last week listeners got a shock when stalwart Ken Bruce announced he was leaving after 31 years.

Ken announced he would be leaving to join rival station Greatest Hits.

The broadcasting legend announced that he would be taking his quiz Pop Masters with him when he goes.

Ken joins the likes of Vanessa Feltz, Graham Norton and Nicky Campbell out the door, with many of the stations major stars leaving over the last two years.

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