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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Zoe Ball's son Woody shares tribute to his 'wonderful Granny J' following short battle with cancer

Woody Cook remembered his beloved grandmother Julia Peckham, following her death after a short battle with pancreatic cancer

BBC 2 Radio presenter Zoe Ball confirmed her mother’s passing on social media, posting a picture of her late mother, adding that she was “bereft” following the death.

In the wake of his mother’s announcement, Woody, whose father is Norman Cook better known as DJ Fatboy Slim, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his grandmother and posted a photo of himself alongside sister Nelly as children with Julia.

He wrote: “Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman. The only person who always sent me a valentines card.”

Referencing his grandmother’s late husband Rick Peckham, who died in 2013, Woody added: “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 x”.

On Wednesday, Ball announced her mother had died after battling pancreatic cancer.

She had previously taken a hiatus from her show to care for her mum, who was recently admitted to a hospice.

The presenter posted a photo of her mother on Instagram from when she was young with the caption: “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 and your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.”

Last month Ball disclosed that Julia’s cancer had progressed significantly, and the family was prioritising creating lasting memories together.

Recently, she announced that Julia had been transitioned to a hospice setting, describing the process as "gentle".

After sharing her mother's diagnosis, it was announced that Gaby Roslin would fill in whenever Ball required time off.

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