Top News

Zoe Ball has opened up about the difficulties of managing tough periods in the presence of children. Devastated by loss in 2024, the broadcaster took time off work following her mother Julia's death from pancreatic cancer.

In recent times, she has also candidly discussed her battles with the menopause, including enduring symptoms like "crippling anxiety".

Speaking about grief's impact during a chat with Style Magazine, the 55-year-old confessed the ordeal felt like a "double whammy" following years of estrangement.

Zoe's parents split when she was merely two years old, and she had minimal contact with her mother until reaching 18.

"I was only a little girl," she revealed. "I wonder sometimes whether that double whammy of losing her when I was young, and then losing her again, but we made up for that time."

During a recent instalment of her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, the duo were questioned about managing challenging moments in front of their children.

Responding, Jo confessed she found it hard to hide her feelings, yet believes transparency about her emotions has proved worthwhile.

Reflecting on her personal journey, Zoe, who has two children, explained it was crucial to "pre-warn" youngsters when struggling as a parent and provide reassurance that all would be well.

"It's heartbreaking sometimes because you know they're upset because you're upset," she revealed.

The broadcaster went on to say that being "honest and open" about her feelings has ultimately bolstered her bond with her children, who now feel at ease confiding in her reciprocally.

"You can judge how much detail you go into with your kids, what they need to know and what they don't need to know," she elaborated.

"But teaching them that it's good to talk about your emotions and be open, and having a family where you can discuss things, only sets them up better for life.

"Life is really tough, and things come up. It's good to be able to talk about that."

During the same discussion, Zoe also addressed her battles with the menopause and how being candid about her feelings enabled those around her to better comprehend what she was experiencing.

She continued: "I love that my kids will talk to me about their emotional stuff as well, because they know they can."

Zoe shares son Woody, 25, and daughter Nelly, 16, with her former husband Norman Cook - better known as Fatboy Slim.

The pair separated in 2016 following 17 years of marriage but have maintained a strong friendship.

Speaking to Boom Radio recently, Zoe's father Johnny Ball commented on their relationship: "They're very good friends today.

"They're divorced, but they're better - if you like, they're closer today than they were when they were married. And that's a lovely thing."

Following her separation, Zoe embarked on a relationship with Billy Yates, who tragically took his own life in 2017 aged 40.

She subsequently dated Michael Reed, although their six-year romance reportedly concluded after they "grew apart".

The former BBC Radio 2 presenter is currently in a relationship with BAFTA-winning production designer Mathieu Weekes.