Zoe Ball reveals she’s had to donate her old bras after ‘losing some weight’ as she opens up on unlikely domestic woes with her new live-in mystery man

by

I was so interested to hear Zoe Ball talking about how she’s had to replace her bras because she’s lost weight! It’s lovely to get a little peek into her home life and hear she’s happy with someone new – though she’s keeping details pretty private, which is totally fair.

The 55-year-old radio host revealed in November that she had a new man living with her, and she’s been playfully calling him ‘The Lodger’ on her program.

Zoe recently shared that she and her boyfriend had a small disagreement when he accidentally damaged one of her cashmere sweaters.

This follows her departure from her BBC Radio 2 program at the end of last year. She had only hosted the weekend show for seven months before leaving.

Zoe recently told Jo Whiley on the Dig It podcast that she’s been donating some of her old underwear to a bra bank after losing weight.

I’m finally getting rid of some old bras! I’ve lost weight, which is great, and now none of my bras fit properly. It’s time for a clear-out.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always looking for ways to be more sustainable and give back. I recently discovered bra banks – places where you can donate your old bras! I had no idea they existed, and now I’m on a mission to find out where my nearest one is. It’s a fantastic way to keep textiles out of landfills and support some really worthy causes.

They’re well-made and still in good condition, though some of the older or poorly maintained ones aren’t. I have a number of the nicer, better-preserved examples.

I really need to declutter my bra drawer. I want to get rid of the ones that don’t fit anymore and just keep a few comfortable, well-fitting bras.

I can’t even wear them for half the day because they get really itchy on the back, and it’s just so uncomfortable.

Zoe revealed details about her new living situation with the man she’s been calling ‘The Lodger.’

She said: ‘The lodger accidentally shrunk my cashmere polo neck jumper, might have to replace it.’

My initial instinct was to stay quiet, but then I realized I needed to speak up so he wouldn’t repeat the mistake. It wasn’t really his fault, so I wanted to address it calmly.

Okay, so it was there, hanging right where I left it! But honestly, I’d totally tossed my favorite sweater on the floor on purpose. I was planning to wear it tomorrow, and I wanted it easily accessible, you know? It’s the perfect outfit, and I needed to have it ready to go! I just… I really love that sweater.

He grabbed all the laundry, which is nice of him. I really should thank him. It’s very thoughtful, but he just crammed it all in there.

I intentionally hung it on the radiator, though. My friend Em usually takes my old things and sweaters, but this feels like too much.

I realized it was too small – maybe only big enough for a teddy bear or a small pet. I told him it was okay, but I actually felt terrible. I didn’t want him to feel bad about it, but I’d just found it again after having lost it for a while.

Zoe has hinted at a new romantic interest, but it’s unclear if they’re currently in a relationship. She was last publicly linked to Michael Reed, a construction worker, before they split up in 2023.

The podcast host recently revealed she’s in a relationship and made a surprising comment: she finds the smell of armpits attractive.

‘I’ve often had this thing, when I’ve been sort of dating someone, I love smelling their armpits.’

It might sound strange, but when you truly love someone, you accept everything about them – even their natural scents. I mean, everyone has limits, and bathroom smells are definitely off-limits! But honestly, I find the smell of someone’s armpits really attractive.

Honestly, one of my absolute favorite things is when I finally get to be close to my partner after being apart. There’s nothing better than being held tight and just… breathing them in. I know it sounds weird, but I love burying my face in their armpit – I get such a comforting and happy feeling from their scent. I always get a funny look, but I just can’t help it, it really is a good smell!

Do you recall when you used to borrow clothes from someone you were dating, back when you were younger?

My children sometimes borrow clothes from their significant others, and it’s sweet – they like having something that smells like them.

I have a habit of not changing the bedsheets when my partner is away. It’s partly because I’m afraid they won’t return, and partly because I really love their scent on the pillows.

I really enjoy that scent. It reminds me of being a teenager and wearing cologne – I think it was Kuros by Paco Rabanne. I’ve always associated fragrances with memories, and that one definitely brings me back.

You know you’ve fallen out of love with someone when things that used to attract you – even their scent – suddenly become unpleasant. It’s like a switch flips, and you just don’t feel the same way anymore.

‘It’s gone because you got to love all their smells.’

Zoe had previously shared that a new man had moved in with her, and that he actually has a more impressive collection of awards than she does.

She said: ‘I think I got a Sony for turning up, which is very nice.

Actually, I did receive a Sony – Marianne Faithfull gave it to me. I was really pleased about that! And I also won some award – ‘Caner of the Year’, though I’ve forgotten what for.

It was incredible to win a BAFTA for the final episode of Live and Kicking, but surprisingly, I don’t actually own the award itself.

I really need to acquire one and display it… Yes, our tenant has received many awards… I need to improve my own…

Jo suggested getting rid of the awards – the things the lodger left behind – by displaying them on the mantelpiece. She jokingly said it was okay to just take them.

Zoe joked: ‘Yeah. Maybe I’ll just stop making myself some.’

Zoe revealed in December that she was leaving her BBC Radio 2 program after only seven months, and Emma Willis will be taking her place.

She announced she was leaving, saying she’d really enjoyed working with her close friends and co-hosts, Romesh Ranganathan and Rylan, and that she sends her love to everyone, but won’t be gone for good.

We’re planning Christmas Crooners, and I’m excited to announce I’ll be doing an Eras show early next year – I’ll share more details soon! I’m also delighted to say you’ll be in great hands, as a familiar face is officially joining the Radio 2 team.

Zoe said she’s really enjoyed hosting her Saturday lunch show on Radio 2, especially the fun she had with the listeners, the interesting stories she heard, and her regular laughs with co-hosts Romesh and Rylan.

Read More

2026-01-08 15:51