Zoe Ball is said to be navigating a major change in her family life after her 16-year-old daughter Nelly reportedly moved in full-time with her father, DJ legend Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim.
The 55-year-old broadcaster has been enjoying a happy new chapter with television producer Mat Weekes, whom she has reportedly been dating privately for more than a year. But new reports suggest Nelly’s decision to live primarily with her father may have sparked questions among those close to the family.
According to claims made by a source, some people have wondered whether Zoe’s blossoming relationship with Mat may have contributed to Nelly feeling somewhat overlooked. The source alleged that Zoe tends to throw herself completely into relationships and suggested it was possible her daughter may have felt left out during the early stages of the romance.
The insider reportedly said: “We have wondered, with Nelly not being around much, if it was something to do with the new man. Zoe is always ‘all in’ when a new man is on the scene and it’s possible Nelly felt left out or didn’t like it.”
Other reports have suggested that Nelly may simply prefer the calmer and more settled environment provided by her father. One source claimed: “The kids love their mum and she loves them. She’s in no way a bad person, but the general feeling is she’s just scatty and Norman is more of a safe pair of hands and calm port in a storm.”
The situation came to light shortly after Zoe opened up about her “empty nest” feelings during a recent appearance on the Dig It podcast.
Speaking candidly about her daughter’s decision, Zoe explained that Nelly had reached an age where moving between two homes no longer felt practical, especially while preparing for important exams.
“Nell is based more at her dad’s now because I think she’s got to that point of ‘Ah, can I just be in one place?’,” Zoe said.
She added: “All of her revision notes are on the wall at her dad’s and it’s just not having to move from house to house, so she’s just spending more time there now.”
Despite the change, Zoe made it clear that their relationship remains close. She explained that because Norman lives nearby, they still see each other frequently and Nelly knows she can always turn to her mother whenever she needs support.
“It’s great because it’s only around the corner and I can nip round at any time and she can come here if she gets upset about anything like, ‘Mum, I need you’ but it’s less and less,” Zoe shared.
Zoe and Norman first met in Ibiza in 1997 and married two years later. During their marriage they welcomed two children, Woody, now 25, and Nelly, 16. Although they announced their divorce in 2016, they have continued to co-parent their children.
Meanwhile, Zoe’s romance with Mat Weekes appears to be going from strength to strength. Friends previously revealed that after a difficult few years, the presenter feels deeply supported by her new partner.
A source close to Zoe said earlier this year: “Mat has been a real source of strength for her. He has become so important to her and they are completely in love. She feels very understood and safe with Mat and her friends love him.”
While Nelly’s move marks the end of an era for Zoe at home, the presenter appears determined to embrace this new phase of family life while maintaining a strong bond with her daughter.
