Exclusive
on the ball
Zoe Ball says son Woody gives her dating advice after ‘difficult’ few years – but declares ‘I’m happy’ at The ARIAS
LEGENDARY presenter Zoe Ball revealed her son Woody gives her relationship advice as she declared "I'm happy" after a difficult few years.
The Radio 2 Breakfast show host beamed on the red carpet at the The Audio & Radio Industry Awards tonight where she was up for a gong, after her split from construction firm boss Michael Reed in November.
8
It was her first relationship since the suicide of boyfriend Billy Yates in 2017, with Zoe admitting her radio show listeners had been a huge support for her over the past few years.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun Online at the London Palladium, where she rubbed shoulders with British radio's elite, Zoe, 48, said: "This year has gone by so fast, I can't believe we've done (the show) for a year. You can hardly tell from the bags under my eyes! When you work in breakfast radio it's like you're always slightly hungover.
"We've had such a brilliant year, I'm loving it. The listeners have really been there for me over the last few years. It's such a privilege to do this show. We go through ups and downs of life together, it's a real joy. I love it."
The star, who looked effortlessly chic in a black dinner suit and white ankle boots, admitted following in the footsteps of Radio 2 predecessor Chris Evans was hard at first.
8
8
8
8
8
She said of Virgin Radio's Chris Evans: "It's an interesting time for all of us really. It's a tough act to follow Chris. Chris is the king. He has always been an idol of mine. What he does is brilliant. So to follow him is tough. There was a bit of bedding in."
Zoe was previously wed to Norman Cook for 18 years and they co-parent children Woody, 18, and Nelly, nine.
The pair were terrified when Woody signed up to Channel 4 reality show The Circle, but he became a huge hit with viewers who voted him into the final.
His mum updated fans as she said the rising star has gone travelling, but she'd love to have him on her radio show when he returns.
She said: "He is such a gem. We were scared about him doing that show but he went on and he shone. He is travelling now and I'm really missing him. But thank god for WhatsApp, he sends messages regularly. He's back in May and I can't wait.
8
8
Woody made his TV debut in September on The Circle, billed as a cross between Big Brother, Catfish and Black Mirror.
It sees contestants vote to keep in who they think is the most popular and genuine of their peers.
Woody found himself reaching the final thanks to his loyal, lovable and laid back attitude, at one point leaving fans howling when he unknowingly flirted with Richard Madeley.
Asked if she'd get team up with Woody on her breakfast show in the future, Zoe said: "I would always do anything with him. He is really wise, he gives me relationship advice."
Zoe Ball and Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, wish son Woody good luck ahead of Circle finale
most read in TV & Showbiz
She added: "He is really good like that. So watch this space."
In the meantime, she has been busy interviewing her idols and found herself starstruck on Wednesday, when Phil Collins announced Genesis are getting back together on her radio show.
She admitted: "I lost it big time. More than when I talked to Barbara Streisand. I was even more cool when I talked to Leonardo DiCaprio.
"I completely lost it in front of Phil Collins. How embarrassing. But I really was the 16 year old me when I saw Genesis at Wembley Stadium in 1986."
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
Topics