Zoe Ball struggles to fight back tears as BBC host opens up about devastating loss on air

Zoe Ball dedicated part of her self-titled Radio 2 Breakfast Show to honour rugby star Rob Burrow, who sadly died at 41. Her colleague Mike Williams took the opportunity to pay tribute to the former Leeds Rhinos player who battled motor neurone disease (MND) over the past five years.

Mike commented: "It is only right that we too pay tribute to Rob Burrow who passed away yesterday. A man, who we can all agree, has inspired every, single one of us during his near five-year battle with motor neurone disease.

"He was by so many measures the little man who became a giant."

Following an on-air tribute where friends and colleagues paid tribute to Rob, the Radio 2 presenter struggled to fight back tears as she reflected on the loss of her stepdad and her mother.

"I sobbed last night when I heard," Zoe remarked as the host fought back tears. "He's an incredible man."

She continued: "We lost our stepdad Rick to motor neurone disease. My mum looked after people and passed on advice to other families about what they're going through and helped out the families in the Sussex area."

"An amazing man. All of the MND family across the UK will be holding him in their hearts," Zoe concluded. "Thinking of Lindsey and the children at the moment. Rob thank you for everything you have done for the MND family."

Zoe's stepdad, Rick, sadly died from motor neurone disease in 2012 but has always remained hopeful that a cure may be found. Her comments come just weeks after her mum, Julie Packham, sadly died following her cancer diagnosis.

It was announced on Sunday (June 2) that Rob had died while being treated in hospital for pneumonia.

Tributes have since poured in for the former rugby player including Leeds Rhino teammates and Prince William, who said "he taught us, in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream".

Rob is survived by his wife Lindsey and the couple's three children.

In an ITV documentary released earlier last year, Rob said: "The hardest thing for me is not being able to be the dad I want to be.

"I would give anything to be able to kick a ball with my son or read the kids a bedtime story. It's the small things and things that often we take for granted that having MND makes you appreciate."