BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has broken her silence on her new romance, confirming for the first time that a mystery boyfriend has moved into her home. The 55-year-old star, who has been referring to her partner as her 'lodger' on air, shared details of the relationship while also speaking warmly about her enduring bond with ex-husband Norman Cook, the DJ known as Fatboy Slim.
A Secret Romance and a Sussex Home
In a candid new interview, Zoe Ball confirmed she is in a relationship but is choosing to keep her partner's identity under wraps. She first hinted at the romance to listeners last year, revealing a new man had moved into her £1.5 million Sussex home. While playing coy about his name, she did tease that he has 'more awards than her', referencing her own BAFTA and Sony Radio Academy Award.
Her last public relationship was with construction worker Michael Reed, which ended in 2023 after five years. Prior to that, she was with cameraman Billy Yates, who tragically died by suicide in 2017 following a battle with depression.
'Lucky' Friendship with Ex-Husband Fatboy Slim
Despite the new man in her life, Zoe was keen to highlight the 'lucky' relationship she maintains with Norman Cook. The pair split in 2018 after 18 years of marriage but have remained incredibly close, co-parenting their two children: son Woody, 25, and daughter Nelly, 16.
'I love that he is still out there, playing to the masses. We've been really lucky with our relationship,' Zoe stated. She described Cook as her 'soulmate' and explained their successful co-parenting dynamic, though she admitted juggling their work schedules can sometimes lead to 'carnage and chaos' for the family.
Quirky Confessions and Sensory Love
Zoe didn't hold back on more personal details about her approach to romance during a recent episode of her 'Dig It' podcast. In a playful and revealing moment, she confessed to finding the smell of a partner's armpits 'really sexy'.
'If you love someone, you've got to love all their smells,' she mused, though she joked she draws the line at 'bathroom smells'. She also shared her habit of not washing the bed sheets when a partner goes away, partly due to superstition and partly because she loves their scent on the pillows.
'It's always a sign,' she added. 'If you go off someone, you know you've gone off them if the smells you used to love about them starts to smell a bit funky.'
With a new chapter blossoming in her private life and a solid, friendly foundation with her ex and family, Zoe Ball appears to be navigating life after her high-profile split with characteristic warmth and humour.
