Zoe Ball has candidly discussed the challenges of navigating break-ups and introducing a new romantic partner to her children. Speaking on her podcast Dig It, the 55-year-old radio presenter reflected on her own experiences following her divorce from Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim, in 2016.
The mother of two, who shares children Woody and Nelly with Cook, offered advice to a listener who had left an 18-year marriage and was anxious about telling her sons about a new relationship. Ball acknowledged the difficulty, saying: 'It is so hard to leave a relationship when you know it's the right thing to do. You feel awful for the person you've left, you feel terrible for breaking up a family.'
Ball, who has had several relationships since her divorce, including with the late Billy Yates and Michael Reed, is now dating Mathieu Weekes, whom she calls 'The lodger' on her podcast. She cautioned against rushing into introducing a new partner to children, stating: 'I think don't be keen to do it so soon. You can get carried away with the whole thing.'
Reflecting on her own mistakes, Ball admitted: 'In the past I've rushed that,' and confessed it proved 'all a bit much' for everyone involved. She advised enjoying a new relationship privately first before involving family.
