Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook left devastated as 'wonderful' gran Julia dies

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Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook has paid tribute to his late grandmother Julia Peckham in a post on social media this week following the news that she's passed away.

It was announced on Tuesday that Julia had passed away, aged 74. Zoe, 53, had previously revealed that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and last week the BBC Radio host shared that Julia had moved into a hospice. Tributes have been paid on social media this week over the news. Julia's grandson Woody, 23, who is the eldest of Zoe's two children with her ex-husband Norman Cook, took to Instagram recently with a tribute to his late grandmother.

He shared a throwback photo of himself and sister Nelly Cook, now 14, with Julia. Woody wrote: "Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman. The only person who always sent me a Valentine's card." Woody appeared to then reference Julia's late husband Rick Peckham, who was Zoe's stepfather, who passed away in 2012. He said in a recent post: "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."

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The DJ and telly star has since been flooded with support from his friends and online followers. Tamzin Outhwaite penned: "Sending lots of love. Sorry that you lost her but she is with you always." "So sorry to hear this mate. Sending you and the family so much love. Always a call or message away," said one friend. Meanwhile, Denise Van Outen added: "Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you."

Zoe paid tribute herself this week. She said: "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 & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us."

It was announced just last month that Julia had been diagnosed with cancer. Zoe shared the news with fans following an absence from BBC Radio in the days prior. Gaby Roslin, 59, had stepped in to cover for Zoe.

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Zoe wrote at the time: "Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave. My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant doctors, nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you. Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time."

She added: "Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly. I'm trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama. Thanks to Gaby for stepping in. Lots of love."

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

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