The BBC star’s followers have been left heartbroken after the presenter of the Sunday Love Songs programme on BBC Radio 2 shared on social media that his cherished mother had passed away
BBC presenter Michael Ball, 63, has turned to social media to announce the heartbreaking news of his mother’s death. His cherished mum, Ruth Parry Ball, died at the age of 91.
The entertainer shared a poignant photograph of his treasured mother alongside a straightforward message: “Ruth Parry Ball 1934-2025x.” His 158,000 followers immediately flooded the post with sympathy and words of comfort.
One supporter penned: “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.”
A second person commented: “Condolences Michael, my Mother was the most important person in my life. Always there in heart and mind.”, reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, another follower observed: “What a beautiful photo. So sorry for your loss.”
Someone else noted: “Sorry for your loss, Michael. She must have been massively proud of you.”
Michael, who inherited the Sunday Love Songs programme on BBC Radio 2 following Steve Wright’s passing last year, frequently used social media to post heartfelt moments with his mum.
On Facebook, the broadcaster disclosed they marked her 90th birthday by experiencing Wales’ fastest zipline adventure.
He posted: “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” Hailing from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Michael’s heritage combines English paternal roots with Welsh maternal lineage.
His father, Tony Ball, who subsequently received an MBE for his contributions to the industry whilst serving as head of global sales at British Leyland, harboured a passion for theatre and regularly accompanied Michael to productions during school breaks. The performer also marked his dad’s 90th birthday milestone last year.
Vocalist and West End musical theatre star Michael assumed control of the beloved Love Songs programme on BBC Radio 2 last year, stepping in after the devastating passing of Steve Wright.
Michael has shared his life with partner Cathy McGowan since the 1980s, though he has previously opened up about his personal heartache, explaining why the joy of parenthood would forever remain beyond his reach.
The performer, celebrated for his performances in Les Miserables and Aspects Of Love, revealed that a devastating accident during his teenage years left him with catastrophic injuries following a charity parachute jump that went tragically wrong.
“I was going to earth at four times the speed I was meant to and got dragged along the floor,” he recalled, describing the harrowing incident.
At merely 18 years old, the mishap caused him a ruptured groin and internal bleeding, leading to multiple surgical procedures across four years and hidden anguish from his subsequent impotence. Michael confessed: “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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