Since stepping away from her long-running BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show in December, Zoe Ball has embraced a slower pace of life. 

The 54-year-old presenter has reportedly found comfort in working alongside her ex-husband, Norman Cook, at his Hove-based coffee shop, The Big Beach Café. 

Despite their divorce in 2016, the former couple has maintained an incredibly close friendship, with the renowned DJ—

better known as Fatboy Slim—offering unwavering support during Zoe’s most challenging times.

A Pillar of Support Through Grief

Over the past year, Zoe has faced immense personal loss. In April, she tragically lost her mother, Julia, to pancreatic cancer, just 12 weeks after her diagnosis. 

In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Zoe expressed her deep sorrow, writing, “Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.”

In the wake of her mother’s passing, Zoe took a step back from her high-profile radio career to focus on her family and personal well-being. A source close to the star revealed that Norman has been an instrumental figure during this difficult period. “Zoe relies on Norman so much. They’ve got one of the best relationships after marriage. He has been her complete rock—supportive, caring, and kind. She has had so many sad times and is still grieving, and he’s been by her side every step of the way.”

A Friendship That Defied Divorce

Zoe and Norman tied the knot in 1999 and spent 17 years together before separating. Their divorce, finalized in 2020, was remarkably amicable, and they remained committed to raising their two children, Woody, 24, and Nelly, 15, in a loving co-parenting arrangement. Instead of going their separate ways after their split, they grew even closer, forging a deep friendship that continues to thrive.

In a 2023 interview, Norman reflected on their time together, praising Zoe for keeping him grounded at the height of his fame in the 2000s. “We were both quite good at keeping each other’s feet on the ground because it’s hard when everyone’s saying, ‘Here, have this, take this, drink this, you’re brilliant.’ It’s hard to keep some kind of limit and say, ‘I am actually a human being, not a superstar.’ I think we probably saved each other a lot of bother.”

Their bond has remained so strong that Zoe even moved closer to Norman last August, settling into a townhouse between Brighton and Hove. The move placed her just a stone’s throw away from The Big Beach Café, where she has been spending more time since stepping away from her radio career.

A Change of Pace

After years of juggling early morning radio shifts and a fast-paced lifestyle, Zoe now finds herself embracing a quieter routine. According to their son Woody, both his parents—once known for their party-loving days—have undergone a noticeable transformation.

“In the last five years, it’s been funny watching my parents take up gardening, both of them. These crazy party people I grew up with are now gardening, making puzzles, and working in the local café,” Woody shared.

Despite enjoying her break from radio, Zoe wasn’t away from the airwaves for long. BBC Radio 2 recently confirmed that she will be returning with a brand-new Saturday show, airing from 1-3pm each weekend starting in May.

A Return to Radio – with a Little Encouragement from Norman

While Zoe was hesitant about jumping back into broadcasting, her close circle—particularly Norman—encouraged her to take on the new opportunity. A source revealed, “Norman was one of the people who pushed her to get back on the radio. Zoe is great at what she does—people miss her on Radio 2 and want her back. Norman is the first to say, ‘You are the best at this, and you’ve got to do what you love.’”

Radio 2’s head, Helen Thomas, echoed that sentiment, stating, “Zoe is one of the UK’s most-loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.”

A Friendship That Stands the Test of Time

While many former couples struggle to maintain a civil relationship post-divorce, Zoe and Norman have defied the odds. Their deep bond, unwavering support for one another, and commitment to their family have proven that love doesn’t always have to end with marriage—it can evolve into a lifelong friendship.

As Zoe steps into this new chapter, balancing her personal life, time at the café, and return to radio, she does so with the comfort of knowing she has a steadfast supporter in Norman. Their story is a testament to the idea that relationships don’t always have to follow a conventional path—sometimes, the best partnerships are the ones that transform over time.

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