BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball says she’s ‘constantly learning’ as she opens up about family life

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reflects on parenting with children Woody and Nelly, whom she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook, also known as DJ Fatboy Slim

Zoe Ball has admitted she is “constantly learning” as she discussed her family life. The BBC Radio 2 host has two children, Woody and Nelly, with former husband Norman Cook.

Zoe, 55, first encountered Norman, better known as DJ Fatboy Slim, whilst both were working for BBC Radio One in Ibiza back in 1998. Romance blossomed and the pair tied the knot in 1999.

But after 17 years of marriage, they announced their separation in September 2016. Despite the split, the former couple remain committed to raising their children together.

Speaking on her Radio 2 programme, Zoe revealed she feels she is “constantly” learning from Woody and Nelly. Her comments followed celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s admission that he relies on his wife Jools for hands-on parenting duties.

Zoe said: “That’s the great thing with parenting, I do it with Norm, I’ll just call Norm and go, ‘This happened, you do this bit…’ One of you gets to be a good cop, one of you gets to be a bad cop, or you share.

“And it carries out, even after they have flown the nest they’ll still be calling in needing you in different ways. I really feel that I am constantly learning how to parent from my children.”

The Circle star Woody, 24, has previously discussed how his parents have embraced a quieter existence after leaving behind their party days. “In the last five years, it’s been funny watching my parents take up gardening,” he shared.

Woody disclosed that his father, who has graced stages at renowned festivals including Glastonbury and Woodstock, is now running a café in Hove, according to BristolLive.

The 62 year old is frequently seen serving customers at the Big Beach Café, sporting a name badge that simply says “Norm”. The establishment’s website describes it as a “celebration of everything we love about Hove”.

Speaking to MailOnline, Woody said: “These crazy party people I grew up with are now gardening, making puzzles and working in the local café. It’s very funny to see that transitional period, just as I’m kind of leaving the nest and now at the start of something big for me in music.”

Last year, Zoe departed from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show following a six-year stint. Former Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills took over her slot, whilst Zoe subsequently returned to the station presenting Saturday afternoons.

She explained the decision was to “focus on my family”. Woody added: “It’s lovely seeing my mum more, because obviously she’s had quite a weird schedule for the last few years.”

Zoe co-presented the BBC’s Saturday morning children’s programme Live & Kicking with Jamie Theakston for three years from 1996. In 1998, she became the first woman to host the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, a role she maintained until 2000.