Zoe Ball has spoken candidly about her struggles with 'crippling anxiety' and panic attacks, revealing that the condition became so severe it affected her ability to work. The broadcaster shared her experiences on her podcast 'Dig It' with guests Jo Whiley and psychotherapist Owen O'Kane.
Ball explained that her anxiety began following significant grief, including the death of her partner Billy Yates in 2017 and her mother Julia Peckham in April 2024. She also attributed her worsening symptoms to perimenopause, stating: 'I started to have crippling anxiety to the point where I was struggling to work or get through a show.'
The former Radio 2 Breakfast Show host, who left the programme in 2025, revealed she had taken antidepressants for a period to manage her anxiety. 'When I was doing the Breakfast Show, I had horrific anxiety... that involved panic attacks, not being able to breathe, a lot of tears,' she said. She noted that while the medication helped, she is now off it.
During the podcast, O'Kane offered reassurance, describing anxiety as a natural response to life transitions such as children leaving home or losing loved ones. Ball became emotional, saying: 'I actually feel quite emotional listening to you today because I'm just thinking about all the situations and all the people I know who would be really helped by hearing you speak.'
Ball has since focused on her podcast and family life, including her children Nelly and Woody, and her new relationship with Mathieu Weekes. She shared a supportive exchange with her son Woody on Instagram, who commented: 'You're good at this Mum.'
