Fatboy Slim has opened up about his relationship with ex-wife Zoe Ball, revealing that one of his proudest achievements is the fact they have remained close friends and devoted parents despite ending their marriage.
The DJ, whose real name is Norman Cook, married broadcaster Zoe Ball in 1999. Although the couple briefly reconciled following a separation and later divorced in 2016, they have continued to successfully co-parent their two children, Woody, 25, and Nelly, 16.
Speaking candidly to Davina McCall on her Begin Again podcast, Norman admitted that maintaining such a strong bond after their split wasn’t always easy.
“Going through it together was great because Zoe is a really good teacher, she was really good, really measured and she’s kept me really grounded to earth,” he said.
He went on to praise his former wife, adding: “She is, and still is, we’re still really good friends.”
Reflecting on their post-divorce relationship, Norman revealed that what began as an uncomfortable transition eventually evolved into something even stronger.
“Our triumph is to remain really good friends and parents, even though we’re not a couple anymore,” he explained.
“It was a bit awkward at first, but then we got this rhythm where… we’re probably actually better than we were when we were a couple.”
The music icon also shared his philosophy on parenthood, insisting that while marriages can end, being a parent is forever.
“You sign on to be parents, that’s for life,” he said.
“You can sign up for marriage and you can get divorced. But you can never stop being parents.”
His comments came just days after he reunited with Zoe and their daughter Nelly at the wedding of close friends in Dorset.
Zoe later shared heartwarming photos and videos from the celebration, which took place at Parnham Park. The presenter stunned in a cream ruffled dress, while Norman looked smart in a grey suit. Their daughter Nelly, who served as a bridesmaid, wore a flowing white gown and floral crown.
Alongside the photos, Zoe wrote: “Congratulations Eva & James & Willow. We ♥️ you so much. The most perfect wedding celebration for our dear magic friends.”
Despite ending their marriage nearly a decade ago, the former couple have continued to put family first.
Recently, Zoe revealed that daughter Nelly has started spending more time living with her father while preparing for her GCSE exams.
Speaking on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, Zoe admitted that her home has become much quieter.
“Mine’s so quiet,” she confessed, explaining that Nelly preferred staying in one place because all of her revision notes were already set up at her dad’s house.
Fortunately, Norman lives nearby, allowing mother and daughter to remain close.
“It’s great because it’s only around the corner and I can nip round at any time,” Zoe said, adding that Nelly still knows she can turn to her mum whenever she needs support.
Meanwhile, Zoe has also reflected on dating after divorce and the challenges of introducing new partners to children. The presenter, who has been in a relationship with BAFTA-winning production designer Mathieu Weekes for more than a year, admitted she had sometimes moved too quickly in previous romances.
“Introducing new partners, it’s a tricky one,” she said.
“I think the right person will respect your relationship with your kids, will respect the relationship you have with your ex. I’d be wary of anyone who wants this to happen too soon for you.”
For Norman and Zoe, however, one thing has remained constant throughout the years: their commitment to friendship, family and putting their children first — something the former couple now regard as their greatest success.
