Zoe Ball seen with ex Fatboy Slim in first outing amid mysterious BBC Radio 2 absence

BBC Radio 2 host Zoe Ball has been spotted out and about for the first time after mysteriously vanishing from her breakfast show. The star, who has left listeners baffled by her six-week absence, was pictured beaming alongside her ex-husband, Norman Cook, 61.

Seen with a group outside a cafe in Hove on Sunday, eyewitnesses said the broadcaster enjoyed a catch-up with pals for just over an hour. Photos, obtained by The Mirror, show Zoe laughing with the group before going for a stroll along the seafront.

The 53-year-old last graced the airwaves on August 8, with replacements including Scott Mills and Gaby Roslin stepping in. It's rumoured that Zoe will be back in the hot seat next Monday, with schedules published by BBC showing her in the slot.

The speculation comes as temporary host Scott Mills is also slated to return to his afternoon programme. A spokesperson for Radio 2 simply said: "Zoe will return to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show later this month".

However, the show's blurb says: "Wake up and embrace the day with Zoe Ball and the team. Zoe keeps the tunes rolling on Maximum Music Monday."

Speaking on his August 12 show, Mills told listeners he was unexpectedly taking the reins.

"If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6:30am and normally Zoe comes on, please do not freak out. You have not overslept," he told listeners.

"If you've just put us on this morning, it's Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I'm sending you all my love Zo, as are the team."

Zoe, who is the BBC's highest-paid woman with an annual salary of £950,000, took a break from her show in August.

Before her departure, she enjoyed a holiday to Ibiza and attended Brighton Pride. She then returned to work for three days before leaving the show.

In March, Zoe announced that she would be taking time off to care for her mother Julia Peckham, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Sadly, her mother died a month later.

In a heartfelt tribute to her mother on social media, she said: "Sleep tight dear Mama. Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other."

The reason for Zoe's extended break is still unknown, leading to speculation and concern among fans on social media. One worried fan wrote: "What has happened to Zoe Ball? She's been off the Radio for 5 weeks in total - no mention of her whatsoever the last few weeks. I hope she's ok," while another simply posted: "I hope #ZoeBall is OK."