💔 Zoe Ball has shared an emotional glimpse into family life after revealing that her daughter Nelly is now living permanently with her dad, Norman Cook — better known to millions as Fatboy Slim.
The beloved presenter, 55, admitted her home has become “so quiet” as her youngest child spends more time with her father, marking another bittersweet milestone in the journey of parenthood ❤️
Speaking candidly on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, Zoe explained that 16-year-old Nelly reached a point where she simply wanted the stability of staying in one place rather than constantly moving between homes.
“All of her CSI revision notes are on the wall at her dad’s,” Zoe said warmly, explaining that the arrangement makes life easier for Nelly during her studies.
Rather than sounding upset or resentful, Zoe spoke with the honesty many parents recognise all too well — that strange mixture of pride, sadness and acceptance when children begin growing more independent ✨
“Mine’s so quiet,” she admitted while comparing her house to Jo Whiley’s busier family home.
Thankfully, Zoe says the transition has been softened by the fact that Norman lives nearby in Brighton, allowing them to continue their close co-parenting relationship.
“It’s only around the corner and I can nip round at any time,” she explained. “And she can come here if she gets upset about anything like, ‘Mum, I need you.’”
The comments offered a touching insight into the strong bond Zoe still shares with her children — and with Norman himself.
Despite ending their marriage years ago, Zoe and the DJ remain close friends and committed co-parents to their two children: Woody, now 25, and Nelly, 16.
Fans have long admired the way the former couple navigated life after separation with warmth and mutual respect 💕
The emotional update also comes as Zoe reflected openly on relationships, family life and the lessons she has learned over the years.
During the same podcast discussion, she admitted she regrets introducing previous partners into her children’s lives too quickly in the past.
“I’ve rushed that before,” she confessed honestly. “Here’s my kids, here’s my life… and it’s all a bit much.”
Now older and wiser, Zoe says she believes the right partner should respect the bond between a parent and their children — as well as the relationship they continue to have with an ex-partner.
Her words struck a chord with listeners who praised her honesty about blended families, parenting after divorce and the emotional complexity that comes with starting over later in life.
The presenter has experienced her share of heartbreak over the years, including the tragic death of former partner Billy Yates in 2017 and the end of several long-term relationships. But she now appears to be in a happier place with BAFTA-winning production designer Mathieu Weekes, whom she has reportedly been dating for over a year 💖
Still, at the centre of everything remains family.
For Zoe, this latest chapter is another reminder of how quickly children grow up. One moment the house is filled with noise, revision notes, teenagers and chaos — and the next, the rooms suddenly feel quiet.
Parents everywhere seemed to understand exactly what she meant.
Because sometimes the hardest part of watching your children become independent is realising just how much you miss the noise they leave behind 💔
