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‘I’ve been feeling a bit forlorn’: Zoe Ball discusses her mental health battles and how she is missing her two children – as she reveals memorial garden for her late mum and ex-partner

BBG News

Zoe Ball has shared details about her recent battles with mental health, confessing that she’s felt lonely and grappled with social anxiety.

The radio host, who is 54 years old, disclosed that she has derived solace by establishing a memorial garden in her residence, dedicated to her deceased mother Julia Peckham and former partner Billy Yates, following her announcement about the passing of her mom last year.

Zoe openly discussed her difficulties with avoiding social interactions and dealing with the “empty nest” feeling during a guest spot on her recently launched podcast, Dig It hosted by Jo Whiley.

She expressed that it’s heartwarming when her kids Woody and Nellie stay at home more often as they usually spend a lot of time in Brighton with their father. She said, ‘I do stock the fridge. But I’m like, “Could you please grab your smoked salmon, Woody?”‘

‘They head directly towards the beach, which is where he is currently. Lately, I’ve been experiencing a sense of sadness and longing. My children have been absent from my life for some time now, and I deeply miss them.’

2024 saw a challenging year for Zoe after her mother’s passing due to cancer. Her mother was taken from us by this unfortunate disease.

To honor the memory of her mother and loved ones, Zoe shared that she’s been planting roses in her garden as a tribute to them.

She mentioned that the red roses she planted for Billy and her mom in the garden have flourished excessively over the past few weeks, and it brings her immense joy to witness them since all the flowers in her garden are dedicated to various individuals.

In another part of the interview, Zoe shared about her battles with social anxiety. She confided that she experiences severe social anxiety, and so does her sibling.

Whenever a gathering is planned, whether it’s Glastonbury, a wedding, or a celebration, a tiny voice in the back of my mind often seeks reasons to decline the invitation. My former job was an excellent justification that I relied on for quite some time.

Now, I no longer hold that position. I can no longer rely on it as a reason. By the way, I need to call it an early day. Frankly, I struggle with casual chats. They give me the creeps. There have been times when I’ve had to back out of conversations due to some rather odd things I’ve said.

‘I mean children, not grown-ups. I’d rather spend time with them since it saves me from conversations with adults.’

‘I am like “Let me go and sort the ice out. Let me lay out the salads. Give me something to do.”

But Zoe did admit she never called her parents often when she was young.

She frequently expresses to her father and her dear stepmother: “I’m deeply sorry for the times I vanished without a trace. I didn’t call or return, only showing up about three times a year. As a mother myself now, I truly understand the impact of my actions.

‘I am like, can you just check it? Woody is actually quite good. I know the time to text him. 

‘He can only get up past 1 in the afternoon, and there’s a crucial time, typically around 9, 10, or 11 at night, when he’ll always react instantly.’

One cause for Zoe’s frequent smiles might be her latest enigmatic companion, who bears a striking likeness to her former husband, Norman Cook.

Zoe was spotted strolling hand-in-hand with him while enjoying the music at Glastonbury on Friday. 

In photographs taken by The Sun, Zoe appeared relaxed in a black outfit, accessorized with sunglasses as she protected her gaze.

Accompanying her was a man, both tall and sporting a mix of black and white hair reminiscent of Fatboy Slim at 61 years old, who tightly grasped her hand as they navigated the exclusive section of Worthy Farm.

A bystander informed the media that ‘Zoe is currently attending Glastonbury Festival as a spectator. She’s brought her new beau with her, and they appeared extremely content, walking together hand in hand.’

As I observed, there was a striking resemblance between the man she was with and Fatboy, which left many taken aback. Yet, it was heartening to witness Zoe’s joy once more. This sentiment was echoed in their words.

TopMob have contacted Zoe’s reps for comment. 

Back in 2016, Zoe and Norman, parents to Woody, age 24, and Nelly, 14, declared they were parting ways after being a couple for 17 years. They officially ended their marriage in 2020.

Zoe maintains a tight bond with Norman and there’s speculation that she might have relocated from her £2 million countryside property in Sussex to a townhouse situated near where he resides, between Brighton and Hove.

In my journey as a lifestyle enthusiast, I too have faced challenges related to substance use, specifically alcohol. Much like Zoe and Norman, I’ve made the decision to lead a life free from alcohol, acknowledging its negative impact on my wellbeing. Both of them, like myself, have sought professional help in rehabilitation centers to overcome these issues.

Earlier, Norman acknowledged that his ex-wife helped him stay grounded during the peak of his stardom.

During those chaotic times, I made a conscious effort to curb my ego, as I shared on the Changes podcast.

Even though you have the freedom to bend or break rules, there are many individuals who will often turn a blind eye to your actions, essentially allowing you to commit injustices unchecked.

Zoe turned out to be incredibly beneficial for me, as she was well-versed in the world of celebrity and we could keep each other in check.

If I didn’t act respectfully towards people, she might say something like this: “Hey, cut it out! That’s not the way we conduct ourselves. Apologize and express your gratitude.

We both managed to maintain a balanced perspective towards one another. It can be challenging when everyone is constantly encouraging with phrases like: “Here, try this, accept this, drink this, you’re amazing.

It can be challenging to maintain boundaries and humbly assert, “I’m just a regular person, not a celebrity.” I believe we both benefited greatly from this mutual understanding.

Two years post their split in 2014, Norman shared that he was still healing his heart, which had been hurt, in the year 2016.

During that period, Zoe was involved with her partner Michael Reed. Meanwhile, the DJ stated he wasn’t prepared emotionally to seek new romantic relationships.

‘I’m single, I’m definitely not on Tinder,’ he told the Daily Star at the time.

It’s been 18 years since I found myself in a similar predicament, and I must admit that I’ve grown rusty on the rules. Truthfully, my heart isn’t fully prepared yet. It’s still healing from past wounds.

Norman and Zoe’s romantic journey started back in 1997, following a chance encounter in the vibrant city of Ibiza. Two years later, they exchanged vows at Babington House located in beautiful Somerset.

In 2003, there was a temporary separation in our relationship when it became public that my wife had been involved with a close friend and confidant of mine, DJ Dan Peppe, in an affair. This revelation understandably caused strain on our bond, but we navigated through it together.

After the disclosure, Norman expressed that he continued to cherish Zoe and was willing to reconcile with her, provided that she pledged to stay away from Peppe in the future.

Even though we parted ways, my heart hasn’t changed. If you love someone, you’ll find it within yourself to forgive them.

‘I’ve spoken to her today and she is genuinely remorseful.’ 

Back in September 2016, they officially ended their relationship, a decision that came nine months after the public spotted Zoe with singer Tay Tay Starhz, aged 22, at the end-of-year wrap party for Strictly Come Dancing’s BBC2 spin-off show It Takes Two in December 2015.

Together, they shared the news: ‘We are regretfully informing you that we have chosen to part ways.’

After her divorce from Fatboy Slem, Zoe later fell in love with Billy Yates, unfortunately, he passed away in May 2017.

Following a prolonged struggle against depression, Billy, aged 40, tragically ended his life at his residence in Putney, London, in May 2017.

Earlier, the host of Radio 2 expressed her feelings of deep gratitude that he had bid farewell to her during their last encounter.

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2025-07-16 19:20

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