BBC presenter Michael Ball has announced the death of his beloved mother on social media. The heartbreaking news was shared with fans on Thursday
BBC presenter Michael Ball, 63, has taken to social media to share the devastating news of his mother’s passing. Ruth Parry Ball, his beloved mum, passed away at the age of 91.
The singer posted a touching photo of his dear mother with a simple caption: “Ruth Parry Ball1934-2025x.” His 158,000 followers were quick to offer their condolences and messages of support.
One follower wrote: “Oh Michael! I am so sorry to hear this news and so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.” Another added: “Condolences Michael, my Mother was the most important person in my life. Always there in heart and mind.”
Meanwhile, a third commented: “What a beautiful photo. So sorry for your loss.” Another remarked: “Sorry for your loss, Michael. She must have been massively proud of you.” It comes after Lorraine Kelly’s staggering weekly earnings were unveiled amid the brutal ITV daytime cuts.
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Michael, who took over new Sunday Love Songs show on BBC Radio 2 after the death of Steve Wright last year, would often take to social media and share candid updates alongside his mum.
Taking to Facebook the singer revealed they celebrated her 90th birthday taking part on the fastest zipline in Wales.
He wrote: “We celebrated my dear mum’s 90th birthday this past weekend with a trip to Wales with the whole family. What did we get up to, I hear you ask – well we took a 90 year old on the fastest zipline in the world of course! Mx”
Originally from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Michael’s father is English and his mother Welsh.
His father, Tony Ball, who was later awarded an MBE for services to the industry for his role as head of global sales at British Leyland, was keen on theatre and took Michael to see shows in the school holidays. The singer also celebrated his dad’s 90th birthday last year.
Singer and West End musical theatre actor Michael took over the reins of the much-adored Love Songs show on BBC Radio 2 last year, following the heartbreaking death of Steve Wright.
Michael has been living with his partner Cathy McGowan since the 1980s, but he previously shared his personal sorrow, revealing why he would never know the happiness of fatherhood.
The singer, renowned for his roles in Les Miserables and Aspects Of Love, disclosed that a horrific accident in his teens resulted in severe injuries after a charity parachute jump went awry.
“I was going to earth at four times the speed I was meant to and got dragged along the floor,” he shared, recounting the traumatic event.
At just 18-years-old, the incident caused him a ruptured groin and internal bleeding, which resulted in numerous operations over a span of four years and concealed agony from his resulting impotence.
Michael admitted: “It was very difficult to come to terms with. I was so embarrassed by what had happened to me down below that I didn’t tell anyone for six months. All I ever thought was, ‘Will I ever be normal? ‘ I didn’t feel adequate to be with the rest of the lads running with all the girls. I didn’t have a sexual relationship for more than four years.”
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