CLOSER THAN EVER? BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball and Ex Fatboy Slim Spark Reunion Rumours as She Moves to Brighton to Be Near Him – ‘Happier Than Ever.
Zoe Ball & Fatboy Slim: “HAPPIER THAN EVER” – Despite Split, the BBC Star Moves Closer to Her Ex, Works in His Café, and Fans Are Wondering… Is Love Rekindling?
BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball, 54, and her ex-husband Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) are proving that not all breakups end in bitterness. Despite their split in 2016 after 18 years together, the pair are now “closer than ever,” according to Zoe’s father, TV legend Johnny Ball.
The two continue to co-parent their children, Woody and Nelly, and maintain such a strong friendship that Zoe even moved to Brighton to be nearer to Norman — and now works in his beach café.
“They’re better separated… and happier too,” Johnny shared, adding that their bond has grown beyond just parenting. Zoe’s decision to step back from her early morning BBC Radio 2 slot came as she chose to prioritize family life following the passing of her mother, Julia.
Zoe Ball announced her exit from BBC Radio 2 last year (Image: Getty)
She also cited her diagnosis of emporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) as also being an issue, as the condition affects the jaw and can cause pain, headaches, and even difficulty opening the mouth.
As she was replaced by Scott Mills, Zoe has been spending more time in Brighton with her ex, with their son Woody revealing they have been “doing puzzles and gardening” together.
The couple’s closer than ever bond comes after Norman called Zoe his “soulmate” earlier this year, telling the Mirror: “She brought me through the trickier bits [of fame]. If you are out with your mates you can’t say to them “I am having trouble coping with fame.” You are not going to get a lot of sympathy.
“But to Zoe I could say ‘I am a bit scared. Is this not scary?’ We could talk about it as we were thrust into the same spotlight. It was nice to have a soulmate in there with you.’
Zoe is set to return to BBC radio presenting next month, as she is set to host a new weekly show from 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays.
She will also be hosting two radio specials, including appearing in a TV show concert celebrating Elaine Paige’s showbusiness career over six decades.
Johnny’s autobiography, Johnny Ball: My Previous Life In Comedy published by The Book Guild, is out now.
