Following a difficult year marked by an unexpected family change and a tragic death, BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley expressed hope for a quieter 2026.
Following a number of unexpected and heartfelt family transitions, Jo Whiley described 2025 as a “volatile year” for her. The Radio 2 presenter was struggling to contain her tears when she revealed that her husband had accidentally run over their cat, Simba, in August.
Jo became a carer for her parents, which caused other unexpected changes to her personal life in addition to the tragedy.
Reflecting on last year, she told her co-star Zoe Ball on their Dig It podcast: “Towards the end of the year, just to say, my parents have had loads of health issues, so I’ve suddenly hit that point of my life, which I know a lot of our diggers are at as well, so suddenly becoming a carer and sorting out lots of hospital appointments.
In addition, the second half of this year featured significant growth in the number of things that were important, such as caring for them and being a sibling of a person with a learning disability.
“I’m still on the rollercoaster right now, as we all are,” she continued. It’s been a rollercoaster of a year, it’s not been an easy year.
The 60-year-old said she is now anticipating a calmer 2026 after what she described as a “manic” year.
She wrote, “Literally, I don’t believe I’ve ever had a day where I haven’t been doing anything.”
So next year, I’m trying to relax, spend more time with my friends and family, and do a little less, continuing to do the pod, radio, and my 90s anthems show, but kind of, not do so many, maybe.
I’m going to try to run and swim more, and I’m also getting back into shape.
She claimed that she had signed up for a half marathon in April, saying that the training required that you do. It’s undoubtedly the only way I can handle it.
While reflecting on 2025, Jo also revisited the heartbreaking loss of their family cat.
She recalled that her husband Steve had previously told her the depressing news to Zoe when she was returning from a vacation.
Jo explained that Steve initially believed the cat had left after moving her out of the way on their driveway.
She said, “We just can’t figure out what happened.”
Jo continued, stating that the incident left her husband grieving, particularly because of the close friendship he and Simba shared.
“He’s in a world of pain,” she said. “We had to spend the whole day yesterday – luckily the kids weren’t at home when it happened – and a vet came over and put [Simba] out of her misery.
We simply had to wait and figure out what to say and tell the kids.
Source: Mirror
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