ZOE Ball sparked concern among her Radio 2 fans as she missed her morning programme - with her on-air absence confirmed to span "a few weeks."
The Breakfast Show broadcaster, 53, was switched up in the schedule and replaced unexpectedly by former BBC Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills, 51.
Without addressing Zoe's circumstances directly, he confirmed the team were "sending their love."
As he opened the three-hour episode at 630am, Scott said: "Good Morning.
"You weren't expecting me were you? Welcome to Monday. It's Scott Mills."
He added: "If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 630am and normally Zoe comes on please do not freak out.
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"You have not overslept. I'm here doing the Breakfast Show do not panic. It's early.
"You aren't late for work. It's Monday 12th August."
Later on, Scott emphasised Zoe's absence and put: "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."
Fans, although wishing Zoe well, appeared chuffed at her stand-in.
One took to X to put: "Scott Mills on Radio 2 breakfast this morning. Loved that! I could listen to it all over again. Get well soon Zoe."
Another posted: A great first #BBCRadio2 Breakfast show from @scott_mills this morning sitting in for Zoe Ball for a few weeks.
"He's really made the show his own. Reminded me of when he used to cover the #BBCRadio1 breakfast show. Well done Scott! You're doing brilliantly."
A third then mused: "Not normally not a fan of @scott_mills but he’s been a great replacement for Zoe Ball... Perhaps she should be considering stepping down."
Last month, Zoe was replaced in another schedule shake-up.
Back in May, she bravely returned to the channel following her mum's death from pancreatic cancer.
During her battle with grief as she made her comeback before being 'taken off air."
Instead, listeners were greeted with the voice of BBC legend Tony Blackburn, who took over the breakfast show as part of a stunt to celebrate 60 years since the launch of Radio Caroline.
