Radio 2 star Zoe Ball shares painful hidden health battle after quitting BBC

BBC presenter Zoe Ball has spoken out about her struggles with a painful health condition, just as she announces her departure from her popular breakfast show. The 54-year-old mum-of-two took to Instagram to share her experiences with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, which causes her to wake up with "awful headaches" due to tension and jaw clenching.

Zoe posted: "I have TMJ and wake most days with awful headaches from tension and jaw clenching. So grateful to Helen @sculptresslondon for her magic. This is my face after I've seen her, check out my face before - yikes - picture 2."

She also expressed her gratitude for the treatment she received, saying: "Can't recommend her enough. She also has the greatest playlists. Thank you H and to @just._.tiff for the intro."

Zoe's revelation sparked a wave of support from her fans, with many sharing their own experiences with the condition. One fan commented: "God, I need this."

Another shared their own struggles with TMJ and acid reflux, noting: "Along with acid reflux and the headaches. Wondering if anyone else has TMJ and acid reflux, the two can be linked," reports the Mirror.

Zoe also mentioned that she will be undergoing microsuction treatment for ear wax removal, which can be a common issue for those with TMJ.

She noted: "Also having microsuction on the old ears at the weekend (in the good old days ear syringing was free on the NHS, now they won't do - so £60 to have wax removed). This can also be common with those who have TMJ. Just interested to know if others have these conditions."

Zoe Ball was quick to show her appreciation for a fan's advice, saying: "That's fascinating. I don't have reflux but do have earache. I'll check out the microsuction, thanks."

Celebrity pals also weighed in with their support, as Julia Bradbury remarked: "So magical to find people like this in our lives" and Stacey Dooley offered a heartfelt: "Stunz."

While Zoe has been open about seeking treatment, it is noted that Botox can be used to alleviate tension in the face and jaw, potentially reducing involuntary clenching. The NHS describes Temporomandibular disorder as an issue impacting jaw movement, which is typically not severe and tends to improve over time.

Symptoms may include pain around the ear, jaw, and temple, and softer foods are recommended for those affected. Stress is known to exacerbate the condition.

In a significant career move, Zoe recently announced she would be leaving her role as the host of BBC Radio 2's breakfast show after six years. She cited the desire to escape the early morning starts and spend more time with her family as key reasons for her departure.

During an emotional segment on her Tuesday (19 November) morning show, Zoe told listeners: "Ok you lovely bunch, I have some news. After six years of fun times alongside you all on the Breakfast Show, I've decided it's time to step away from the early alarm call and focus on family."

"You know I think the world of you all listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life's little ups and downs, we got through the lockdown together, didn't we? We've shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there's been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats. I'm going to miss my amazing Prod Squad who I adore. Already missing Mike, I'm going to miss Tina and Richie. They've all become like family to me, like you lot. But I won't miss the 4am alarm call, if I'm completely honest."

The announcement follows a tough year for the beloved broadcaster, who previously took time off from the show in the summer due to the grievous loss of her mother, Julie Peckham, who faced an advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.