, the zestful broadcaster known for her lively presence, has been redefining her pace of life ever since she stepped away from her morning slot last year.
At 54, she is dipping her toes into new ventures by teaming up with her ex-husband and renowned DJ, Norman Cook alias Fatboy Slim in the quaint surroundings of his coffee hangout in Hove.
Though their romantic partnership concluded in 2016, Zoe and Norman, 61, have maintained a powerhouse friendship. Norman has been running The Big Beach Cafe since 2013, establishing it as a local staple.
Recently, a source close to the dynamic duo disclosed that Norman’s support has been indispensable for Zoe, particularly during the trials she faced after the heartrending loss of her mum to cancer last April. “Zoe relies on Norman so much, they’ve got one of the best relationships after marriage,” confided the source.
“He is such a support to her. Zoe has had so many sad times and is still grieving, she really has been through the mill.”
Zoe Ball and Norman Cook called time on their marriage in 2016 (Image: GETTY)
The death of Julia, Zoe’s mother, last spring was a swift and sorrowful event; a mere three months post-diagnosis of pancreatic cancer saw her parting this life.
The presenter captured her profound respect and love for her mother on poignantly stating, “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.”
Insiders have revealed that throughout Zoe Ball’s ordeal following the death of her mother, her ex-husband has been a pillar of strength. “He has been her complete rock,” the source conveyed, adding, “He’s supportive, caring and kind.”
Despite their divorce finalising in 2020 after 17 years of marriage, Zoe and Norman maintain a tight-knit bond, expertly co-parenting their children Woody, 24, and Nelly, 15, with apparent ease.
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Zoe Ball’s shock career announcement as she tearfully signs off from Radio 2BBC (Image: BBC)
Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim reunite for family milestone with son Woody (Image: Instagram)
Their post-divorce relationship has flourished into friendship, steering clear of contentious waters that often plague split couples.
Norman candidly discussed their dynamic earlier this year, crediting Zoe for keeping him down to earth during his meteoric rise in the 2000s.
He recalled how they helped each other stay grounded amidst the whirlwind of fame: “We were both quite good at keeping each other’s feet on the ground because it’s hard when everyone’s saying, ‘Here, have this, take this, drink this, you’re brilliant.’ It’s hard to keep some kind of limit and say, ‘I am actually a human being, not a superstar.’ I think we probably saved each other a lot of bother,” he mused.
Transitioning into a new chapter, Zoe moved from her Sussex residence to a lovely townhouse situated perfectly between Brighton and Hove last August a prelude to her departure from the early hours on Radio 2’s Breakfast Show. Handing over the reins to Scott Mills, she expressed a desire to “focus on family”.
She is currently enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle, joining forces with Norman at his beach cafe. Their son Woody recently admitted that it was strange to see his parents, who were notorious for their wild partying in the early 2000s, adopting a calmer way of life.
“In the last five years, it’s been funny watching my parents take up gardening, both of them. These crazy party people I grew up with are now gardening, making puzzles and working in the local cafe,” he revealed in a recent conversation.
Woody also expressed his joy when Zoe decided to step down from her Breakfast Show presenting duties due to conflicting schedules. “There were a lot of times when we were on literally the opposite schedules, so to have a bit more togetherness and be able to see each other more is nice,” he added.
However, Zoe isn’t one to remain inactive for long. Radio 2 has confirmed that she will return to the airwaves with a new Saturday show on the station, broadcasting from 1-3pm every weekend, starting in May.
An insider has revealed that Norman played a pivotal role in urging Zoe’s comeback to broadcasting, telling sources: “Zoe is great at what she does people miss her on Radio 2 and want her back. Norman is the first to say, ‘You are the best at this and you’ve got to do what you love.’ It doesn’t feel like work because she loves it so much. He wants the best for Zoe and it’s a really lovely relationship.”