Major bombshells from Zoe Ball's first show back as she breaks silence after six-week absence

Zoe Ball made a sensational return to the air six weeks after she was suddenly replaced on the Breakfast Show without warning and there was plenty for fans to digest.

The much-loved 53-year-old had not been on the mic since August 8, with Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills stepping in. Her mysterious absence left listeners concerned - and although they didn't get all the answers they wanted, they will thrilled to see her back in the hot seat this morning.

Zoe confirmed on Sunday that she would resume her role after her extended leave of absence but didn't go into too much detail about her absence - but did joke that she hasn't been to Turkey to have some work done. The popular host made a lively introduction as she made her big return.

Zoe's first words on air

While Zoe didn't explain where she had been during the last six weeks, she referred briefly to what it had been like at home. It comes after the DJ was pictured with ex-husband Norman Cook - better known as Fatboy Slim - outside a cafe in Hove last week.

She said: "Morning gorgeous people it's me Zoe the happy wanderer. I've wandered back. How was your Brat summer? Was it marvellous? We did that in the 90s it was called something different then." She went on to say: "I hope you've been enjoying some of the gorgeous sunsets over the last few weeks. It's a tad soggy our end this morning. Take it easy out on the road."

Confession about Scott Mills' last minute cover

Zoe also said gave a special mention to her 'dear friend' Scott Mills, as she thanked him for 'looking after' the show when she was off, 'but more on that later' she added. She also thanked Spoony for covering Scott's regular show, saying: "Spoony was supposed to go on holiday! He was DJ-ing around the world.

"He had to change all his plans, he's been an absolute sweetheart. Thank you boys, for looking after everybody, and everyone here for being so supportive. And lots of you sent so many messages, listeners, they meant the world. So thank you to you gorgeous ones."

What Zoe wasn't up to during the last six weeks...

Before long, Zoe joked that she hadn’t been to Turkey for a “new face and teeth” during her time off. Newsreader Tina Daheley told her “you do look great though”. Zoe then took some time out to speak about friends and fellow broadcasters Lauren Laverne and Jamie Theakston, who have both announced cancer diagnoses in recent weeks.

"I must say, actually, while we're mentioning sending some love, our breakfast friends, Lauren Laverne, our mate over 6Music, currently going through some cancer treatment. She's doing okay, but I just wanted to send my whole heart out to her," she told listeners.

"And my dear Live and Kicking and The Priory mate, Jamie Theakston, who's also having some treatment for cancer at the moment and he's gonna be okay and he's doing well. I'm sending them both lots and lots of love out there. So a lot of the love I got to me, I send back to them."

Zoe previously took a break from broadcasting earlier this year due to personal loss and health issues; she grappled with the grief of her mother passing away in April after a cancer diagnosis and had undergone emergency dental surgery. It left the star heartbroken as she struggled to come to terms with the devastating news.

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