Radio 2 listeners got a shock this morning when they were greeted by a different voice on the BBC Breakfast Show.
Stand-in Scott Mills sparked concern when he revealed usual host Zoe Ball would be away 'for weeks' and said the team were 'sending her all their love.'
At the start of her show at 6.30am Zoe was nowhere to be seen with Scott Mills stepping up to the microphone in her absence. "Good Morning. You weren't expecting me were you? Welcome to Monday. It's Scott Mills," introduced the host.
Addressing the confusion, he continued: "If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6.30 and normally Zoe comes on please do not freak out. You have not overslept. I'm here doing the Breakfast Show do not panic. It's early. You aren't late for work. It's Monday 12th August," said Scott.
Following the news bulletin at 8am, Scott addressed the switch-up again as he told listeners: "If you've just put us on this morning, it's Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I'm sending you all my love Zo' as are the team."
The BBC have since confirmed to the Mirror that Zoe will not return until September. In a statement they said: "Zoe is taking time off and will return in September."
Zoe, 53, also pulled out of Friday's show at the 11th hour - after saying she would be at the helm on her social media the night before, telling her followers 'See you at dawn'. However, Radio 2 fans tuned in to the last show of the week were welcomed by stand-in Gaby Roslin instead.
Former Pop Idol winner Will Young, who was a guest on the show, also shared his excitement at chatting with Zoe on Thursday night. "Jumping in to album release day tomorrow on @bbcradio2. @zoetheball bring your swimmers." However, he was left chatting to replacement Gaby instead when he arrived at Radio 2 towers.
Neither Gaby or Scott shared the reason for Zoe's sudden absence.
Zoe had only returned to her BBC show on Monday 5 August after a lengthy break. Returning to the airwaves last week, Zoe joked: "What did I miss?"
Her comeback came days after she told followers it was her late mum's 'heavenly' birthday - and the first one since she tragically passed away in April. Zoe said her family were “bereft” following the death of her mother Julia, with the presenter taking two weeks off work to grieve the sad news.
The Radio 2 presenter announced in early March that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and was being “incredibly brave”. It was confirmed that Gaby Roslin would “occasionally” replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so she could spend time with her mother who was later taken to a hospice. Just 12 weeks later Zoe announced that her mum had sadly died.
“Sleep tight dear Mama,” Ball said, announcing the death on social media, sharing a younger picture of her mother, as she annoinced the news to her followers. "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.”
Ball had previously described the cancer diagnosis as an “extremely tough” time.
The broadcaster’s son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram.
“Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman,” the 23-year-old said, sharing a younger picture with his grandmother. Cook, who appeared on Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother’s late husband Rick Peckham. He said: “The only person who always sent me a valentines card. I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug from me.
“I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the Jungle ‘If you get lost, follow the river!’ You’ll find him at the end.”
Last month Zoe was named the highest paid woman at the BBC. There were four women in the top 10 when the annual report was released; Zoe Ball, Fiona Bruce, Lauren Laverne and Naga Munchetty.
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker was again named the corporation's top earner with £1.35m, followed by Radio 2's Zoe Ball with £950,000.