ZOE Ball has been absent from her breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 for five weeks.

The 53-year-old last hosted The Zoe Ball Breakfast show on Radio 2 back on August 8, more than a month ago.

Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills have both filled in for Ball in her absence.

What's happened to Zoe Ball?

The BBC hasn't offered any explanation as to why Ball has been absent from her Radio 2 show for so long, according to the Daily Mail.

However a BBC insider, speaking to the news outlet, said: "Nobody knows what has happened but everyone loves Zoe. 

"We hope everything is okay. Zoe is so loved at the BBC so to not have her around is really noticeable."

Fans have noticed Ball's absence, taking to social media to question her whereabouts.

One Radio 2 listener, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said: "Listening and watching all the #R2InThePark content.

"What has happened to Zoe Ball? She's been off the Radio for 5 weeks in total - no mention of her whatsoever the last few weeks. I hope she's ok."

Another person commented: "When is Zoe Ball back on @BBCRadio2."

While a third person added: "I hope #ZoeBall is OK."

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But some listeners have called for a permanent change to the hosting role on the Radio 2 breakfast show, naming who they think should replace Ball.

One person on X said: "I have no issue with Zoe Ball but I have to say I would have no problem with #scottmills taking the role permanently.

"Could become the next breakfast show legend!"

While another added: "Am I the only person to think that Scot Mills is a far better Breakfast presenter than Zoe Ball?"

This latest absence comes after Ball took time away from the show earlier in the year after her mother, Julia, was diagnosed with cancer.

Just a month after the diagnosis Ball's mother died leaving the family "bereft".

When will Zoe Ball be back on BBC Radio 2?

But in good new for Zoe Ball fans, the BBC has now confirmed when she will be returning to her Radio 2 show.

A Radio 2 spokesperson said: "Zoe will return to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show later this month."

While the spokesperson did not confirm an exact return date, the Radio 2 website seems to suggest Ball could return to the airwaves as soon as Monday, September 23.

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Mills is down to host The Zoe Ball Breakfast show this week, before September 23's episode synopsis (with a picture of Ball) reads: "Wake up and embrace the day with Zoe Ball and the team.

"Zoe keeps the tunes rolling on Maximum Music Monday."

You can listen to The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 weekdays from 6.30am, or catch up on past episodes via BBC Sounds or the BBC website.