Zoe Ball has shared insights into the evolving dynamics of her family life after her daughter chose to spend more time at the home of her former husband, the acclaimed DJ Fatboy Slim, born Norman Cook.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter and Norman Cook married in August 1999 in a ceremony at Babington House, Somerset. Together, they have two children: Woody, 25, and Nelly, 16. After nearly two decades of marriage, the couple announced their separation in 2016. They released a heartfelt joint statement acknowledging the end of their journey as a couple but emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a close friendship while living near each other.
Since their separation, Zoe and Norman have maintained a strong, supportive friendship. Zoe is now in a relationship with TV production designer Matt Weekes.
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On the latest episode of the Jo Whiley and Zoe’s Dig It podcast, which aired on May 25, Zoe revealed how her household has grown quieter as Nelly spends more time at her dad’s place. She explained, “Mine’s so quiet, it’s like ugh! It’s less and less because Nel is based more at her dad’s now because I think she’s got to that point of, ‘Ah can I just be in one place?'”
Zoe elaborated that much of Nelly’s schoolwork, including CSI revision notes, are set up at Norman’s home, making it easier for her daughter not to shuttle between two houses. “It’s great because it’s only around the corner and I can nip round at any time, which is great, and she can come here if she gets upset about anything like, ‘Mum, I need you,’ but it’s less and less,” Zoe said.
Meanwhile, their son Woody has relocated to Bristol, while Zoe and Norman continue to live in Brighton. The family faced additional challenges in 2024 with the loss of both Zoe and Norman’s mothers, a deeply affecting event that brought them closer together.
Woody reflected on the changes, saying, “Last year a lot of stuff happened as a family. The family is a little bit smaller than it was. So it’s given us time to spend more time together and re-evaluate. Life can be very busy. I live in Bristol. My family live in Brighton.”
He added, “My mum was always working in London. There wasn’t always time. And now—more than ever—it’s about making that time. Because you never know how long a life is. Sometimes I realise that my parents need me just as much as I need them to support me. I didn’t really realise that before. We’ve got each other.”
Despite the changes, Zoe and Norman remain dedicated to raising their children together while adapting to their new family rhythms.