Radio 2 co-star comments on Zoe Ball appearance as she returns after six-week absence

BBC Radio 2 colleagues were thrilled to welcome Zoe Ball back on air this morning.

The presenter had been absent for six weeks after unexpectedly withdrawing from her day job without prior notice in August. During her absence, 'dear friend' Scott Mills stepped in to present the Breakfast Show slot, a role that Zoe, 53, has held since succeeding Chris Evans in 2019.

Returning to the airwaves this morning, Zoe casually addressed her time away, referring to herself as a 'happy wanderer'. Radio 2 news presenter Tina Daheley and travel reporter Richie Anderson warmly welcomed Zoe back. The trio joked about having 'so much gossip' to catch up on, most of which would be saved for off-air conversations.

Tina complimented Zoe on her refreshed appearance after her six-week break. This followed Zoe's humorous denial that she had been in Turkey getting her 'teeth and face done' during her hiatus from her £950,000 per annum role, reports the Mirror.

"You do look great though, " Tina noted, admiring Zoe's rejuvenated look.

Addressing listeners at the start of the show at 6.30am, she said: "Morning gorgeous people its me Zoe the happy wanderer. I've wandered back. How was your Brat summer? Was it marvellous? We did that in the 90s it was called something different then. I hope you've been enjoying some of the gorgeous sunsets over the last few weeks. It's a tad soggy our end this morning. Take it easy out on the road," she added.

The host expressed her gratitude to her 'dear friend' Scott Mills for taking care of the show during her absence, promising to share more details later. "What have I missed? Text me. I've missed ya," she added.

Many of Zoe's listeners expressed their delight on social media at having her back on air, and she thanked them for their kind words.

Zoe has not yet disclosed why she took a six-week break. Earlier this year, she had taken some time off for a summer holiday.

This year has been a challenging one for the star. In April, she announced that her mother had passed away just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

"We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other," Zoe said.

Reports also suggest that she recently sold her £2million country home and moved closer to her ex-husband, Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim. It is believed she relocated to a townhouse between Brighton and Hove, near her DJ ex Norman - the father of her two children - from whom she separated in 2016 and divorced in 2020.

Some sources close to the popular presenter have suggested that the move represents a "new start" for the radio host, who split from her partner Michael Reed last year after more than five years together.