What’s behind Zoella’s disappearance and does she owe fans an answer? Our experts dive in

THE YouTube ‘Brit Crew’ were once the internet’s most prominent celebrities but since the 2010s they have all but disappeared. But Tanya Burr’s return to the spotlight could have paved the way for a comeback – and may even inspire web recluse Zoella. Zoella aka Zoe Sugg hasn’t posted online since December 2025 and fans miss her Credit: Instagram Zoe was huge in her 2010s heyday, seen here at the launch of her book ‘Cordially Invited’ in October 2018 in London Credit: Getty That’s the opinion of the Sun on Sunday’s Deputy Showbiz Editor – and Zoella fan – Emily Webber, who opens up on the net idol in this week’s Showbiz Fix: Uncut, sponsored by Sun Bingo. The Sun’s deep dive podcast explores Zoe Sugg’s heyday online and considers why she has all but disappeared from the public eye. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Emily said: “You could always watch her videos, hour long videos, and now we just don’t see her at all.” [IS THIS RIGHT?] Zoe’s last Instagram update was posted in December 2025 when she and partner Alfie Dayes – a fellow vlogger – hinted they were retiring from online life. It’s left fans clamouring for content from their favourite creators. Emily said: “Look, if it was one of us and you had a really good friend and you talked every day, you know, you shared videos and pictures, and then all of a sudden they just dropped off the face of the earth. Tanya Burr was another huge online star in the 2010s alongside Zoella before she took a five year hiatusCredit: Not known clear with picture desk Tanya has now returned to the spotlight, see here at The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere Credit: Getty “You’d think, are we not even going to have a discussion? “It’s hard because she doesn’t know all of these fans however, they’ve created Zoella.” Most read in Showbiz After five years offline, Tanya Burr returned in the summer of 2024. Emily said: “We’ve seen Tanya, who rose to fame with Zoe. Emily Webber looks at the online icon Zoella on this week’s Showbiz Fix: Uncut with Felicity Cross “She came off YouTube, but now she’s posting all the time. So whether or not Zoe will take note from that and do that in a few years, who knows.” Show host Felicity Cross reasoned: “What I’m thinking as we’re talking about this is that we’re talking about a woman that used to be online. “There are far more important things in the world, but the fans are obsessed with this, aren’t they? “Why are they so up in arms about it and does Zoella really owe fans an explanation?” Emily said: “I think she’s going to have to put something out. “I’m a fan. And I don’t think we need an explanation, she doesn’t need to put everything out on the table. “But I think fans would really be grateful for an acknowledgement of where she is. “The problem with these online lives is people feel like they own a little bit of it.” Emily looks at the whole saga and shares some answers on the latest episode, which you can find on the Showbiz Fix: Uncut video hub or on The Sun’s Showbiz YouTube page. Welcome to Showbiz Fix Uncut, Sponsored by Sun Bingo, where we unpack the biggest entertainment stories with the journalists who know all the juicy details. Hosted by Felicity Cross, we look at Showbiz’s most iconic topics: WAGs, Matty Healy & Taylor Swift, the best reality dating show to actually find love…and much more. The Sun’s Showbiz Team have been covering these stories for decades, so who better to join Flic in the studio! Join Sun Bingo and claim a £40 Bingo Bonus 18+. New customers only. Register and deposit £10 today for 50 Free Spins or a £40 Bingo Bonus. Stake £10 on Casino for free spins (accept within 48hrs & use within 3 days) on selected games. No wagering requirements on winnings. Stake £10 on Bingo tickets for Bingo Bonus (accept and wager 4x within 7 days). Only completed games can be credited. Debit card deposits only. Offers end 31.07.26. T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk Comment now