Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has publicly confirmed her new romantic relationship, finally putting speculation about her live-in 'lodger' to rest.
From 'Lodger' to Boyfriend: The Mystery Man Revealed
The 55-year-old broadcaster, who split from her last public partner in 2023, had been playfully referring to a man living in her Sussex home as her 'lodger' during appearances on the Dig It podcast she co-hosts with Jo Whiley. This sparked widespread curiosity among her fans.
Now, in a candid new interview with The Sunday Times Style Magazine, Ball has clarified the situation. She confirmed via a follow-up email that the man is indeed her new boyfriend, though she has chosen to keep his identity private and not share his name publicly.
Co-Parenting with Fatboy Slim and a Quirky Confession
During the wide-ranging discussion, Ball also spoke warmly about her co-parenting relationship with ex-husband Norman Cook, the DJ known as Fatboy Slim. The pair separated a decade ago.
"I love that he is still out there, playing to the masses," she said, adding, "We've been really lucky with our relationship." She explained their supportive dynamic, stating she has been able to accommodate his career commitments while managing her own family responsibilities.
However, the most surprising revelation came when Ball disclosed a very personal quirk she associates with romance. She admitted to finding a partner's natural scent 'really sexy', specifically mentioning armpits.
"I've often had this thing, when I've been sort of dating someone, I love smelling their armpits," she told The Mirror. "I know it sounds weird, but if you love someone, you've got to love all their smells... There's something about armpit smells that I think are really sexy."
She described it as a favourite habit, especially after time apart: "When they've got their arms around you, I'm like sniffing in the armpits, and I get a right old look."
Life After BBC Radio 2
Ball's personal update comes shortly after a significant professional change. She stepped down from her prestigious BBC Radio 2 breakfast show in December of last year, handing over the presenting role to Emma Willis.
While she keeps her new partner out of the spotlight, her open discussion about this new chapter in her love life suggests a period of personal happiness following her departure from the national radio slot.
