Zoe Ball’s relationship with mum she didn’t see for 14 years

Radio presenter Zoe Ball kicked off the new season of BBC One’s Who Do You Think You Are? on Tuesday night, embarking on a genealogy journey inspired by her late mother, Julia, who passed away in 2024 and was keen for Zoe to delve into their family history.

The emotional episode opened with Zoe reflecting on their complex relationship, revealing she didn’t see her mother for 14 years following her parents’ split when she was just a toddler.

“I think with things being a little bit tricky, and they both met new partners, it was decided at some point that I would stay with my dad,” revealed the 55-year-old, whose father is the TV personality, Johnny Ball. “And it was pretty tough.”

Opening up about her estrangement from her mother, Zoe continued: “I didn’t see my mum for about 14 years, which is a long time for a kid not to see her mum. And when we did connect again when I was 18, there was a lot of making up to do.”

Zoe also revealed that she doesn’t remember ever meeting her maternal grandmother. “Her name was Margaret but everyone called her Peg,” she said. “For a time she was in what I guess they would call an asylum in those days because she struggled with her mental health.

“Families are fascinating because there are stories families tell and stories families hush up.”

Delving into her past is “more important” than ever following her mum’s passing. “It could get quite emotional for me, because my mum was really excited about the prospect of us having a good dig into the past,” shared Zoe. 

“I feel like it’s even more important now. I’m really sad she’s not here to learn these things, but wherever she is, she’s here with me in my heart.”

Zoe’s reunion with her mum

Zoe, who was raised by her father and step-mother Di, didn’t see her mother from the age of five until her late teens. 

They eventually reconciled after Julia invited her daughter to her 40th birthday party. 

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“I could hardly breathe,” Zoe told The Mirror in 1997. “My heart started pounding like mad. I suddenly panicked: ‘What if we hate each other?'”

Recalling their reunion, Zoe continued: “Mum hadn’t changed a bit, except she didn’t seem quite so tall. We spent such a lovely first day together… lots of crying and girlie emotion.”

The passing of Zoe’s mum

Zoe’s mum sadly passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Sharing the news on social media, the presenter penned: “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. Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.”