Zoe Ball touches upon her complicated childhood with her late mum in tonight’s brand new episode of Who Do You Think You Are?.
The TV and radio favourite reveals she was raised by her famous dad, children’s presenter Johnny Ball, after losing contact with her mum for years.
During the BBC episode, Zoe explains she did not see her mother, Julia, from the age of five until they reunited when she turned 18.
Zoe Ball traces her family history in tonight’s Who Do You Think You Are? (Credit: BBC)
As she explores her family history, Zoe also reflects on the difficult early years that shaped her life.
Zoe Ball on Who Do You Think You Are?
Tonight’s episode begins in Brighton, where Zoe is joined by her teenage daughter Nelly.
The former Radio 2 host explains that her parents, Johnny and Julia, split when she was very young.
Speaking on the programme, Zoe says: “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. And it was pretty tough.”
She continues: “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 reveals she never met her maternal grandmother, Peggy.
“Her name was Margaret but everyone called her Peg,” she explains. “For a time she was in what I guess they would call an asylum in those days because she struggled with her mental health.”
Reflecting on the secrets hidden within families, Zoe adds: “Families are fascinating because there are stories families tell and stories families hush up.”
Julia was said to be “really excited” about Zoe taking part in the series.
Sadly, she died from cancer in April 2024 before filming took place.
Zoe was raised by her dad, former children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball (Credit: GB News)
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