Zoe Ball addresses relationship status and reveals truth behind mystery lodger

Zoe Ball has opened up for the first time about having a new boyfriend, following months of playful hints about her mysterious "lodger". The former BBC Radio 2 host separated from her previous partner in 2023 and has since remained tight-lipped about her romantic affairs.

However, the mother of two - who parted ways with ex-husband Norman Cook (better known as Fatboy Slim) ten years ago following an 18-year marriage - has now clarified that her live-in companion is in fact her partner. In a recent interview, the 55 year old also spoke candidly about her bond with her DJ ex-husband, revealing how they balance their careers whilst raising son Woody, 25, and daughter Nelly, 16.

"I love that he is still out there, playing to the masses," she told The Sunday Times Style Magazine. "We've been really lucky with our relationship. When he has wanted to do things, I've been able to say, 'I'll be here for that bit.' Just for this next six months, I need to be here."

Her most recent public romance with builder Michael Reed concluded three years ago. Last year, during her and Jo Whiley's Dig It podcast, she disclosed that a certain gentleman was sharing her Sussex residence.

Though frequently dubbed her "lodger", her latest interview confirms: "She confirms in a follow-up email is her new boyfriend, but prefers not to name."

While she hasn't revealed the identity of the mystery man on the podcast, she has offered more than a few clues that she's been in a romantic relationship. Discussing matters of love and romance, she recently shared: "I've often had this thing, when I've been sort of dating someone, I love smelling their armpits."

She added, "I know it sounds weird, but if you love someone, you've got to love all their smells, not necessarily their bathroom smells. I draw a line at that. But there's something about armpit smells that I think are really sexy."

She revealed her favourite thing to do, "especially if I've not seen my lover for a while, is when they've got their arms around you, I'm like sniffing in the armpits, and I get a right old look".

Before dating Michael, Zoe, whose own parents split when she was two, was in a relationship with cameraman and technician Billy Yates, who sadly took his own life in May 2017 following a long struggle with depression.

Speaking out afterwards to highlight men's mental health, Zoe said: "After he died, I was left with lots of questions. I think it is one in four of us in the UK who are living with mental illness. Those figures are huge, so most people you meet are going to have been touched by this subject.

Last year, she paid a moving tribute to him on social media, marking the eight-year anniversary of his death. Alongside a photograph of Billy, she wrote: "8 years forever in our hearts Billface #mateswithyates. "

On the subject of her loss, she told the Sunday Times this week that his death gave her a different perspective on life, sharing: "There is the grief-on-grief of other losses. It's really made me look back and think, right, what's important here?"

Zoe stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 role late last year after announcing the news just a week earlier. She bid a final farewell to her listeners on December 20, before passing the baton to Emma Willis.

The surprising announcement came a year after she left the Radio 2 Breakfast show a year earlier after nearly six years in charge, before returning to take over the Saturday afternoon slot.

At the time of her breakfast departure, Zoe said she wanted to "focus on her family" as well as escape the "very early mornings," citing her 4am alarm clock taking its toll on her.

She said these had been compounded by a number of health and personal issues, including the death of her mother Julia in April 2024.