Woody Cook has shared his relief at seeing his mother smile again (Picture: PA)
Zoe Ball’s son, Woody Cook, has shared his relief in seeing his mother ‘smiling through tough times’ after she was recently spotted with her ex-husband Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim, in Hove.
The BBC Radio 2 host has been on extended leave from her breakfast show since August 8, leading to growing concern from fans and listeners over her absence.
Zoe, 53, who is the BBC’s highest-paid female star with an annual salary of £950,000, was photographed outside a café being comforted by Norman.
This follows the first time Zoe was photographed since her unexplained absence.
The pair, who have maintained a close relationship since their separation in 2016, share two children: Woody, 23, and Nelly, 14.
Both parents are now living a sober lifestyle after past struggles with alcohol.
Zoe Ball and Norman Cook have remained close and continued to co-parent their two sons (Picture: WireImage)
Woody, in an exclusive statement to MailOnline, touched on his mother’s recent struggles, explaining how he has stepped up to spend more time with her during this challenging period.
‘My mum and I like to keep our private lives to ourselves,’ Woody said. ‘But I will say I have spent a lot more time with her recently, as she has always been there for me in tough times. I’m glad to see her smiling.
‘My mum and I like to keep our private lives to ourselves,’ Woody said. ‘But I will say I have spent a lot more time with her recently, as she has always been there for me in tough times. I’m glad to see her smiling.’
Zoe has been off the air for over a month, with stand-in presenters Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills filling her slot.
The time off follows the loss of Zoe’s mother, Julia Peckham, who passed away from cancer in April.
Woody Cook is following in his DJ father’s steps (Picture: PA)
A source close to the star revealed: ‘Zoe’s had a tough few months. She had the death of her mum in April to deal with, and it’s not been easy for her. Her bosses are being very supportive and just want her to come back when she’s ready.’
Before her leave, Zoe had been on holiday in Ibiza and attended Brighton Pride but took another break shortly after returning to her radio show.
Although a schedule change indicated Zoe might return as early as this week, sources at Radio 2 have clarified that nothing is confirmed. One insider stated, ‘Radio 2 is being led by Zoe on this. They’re just expecting her to return sometime this month, but the decision is very much hers.’
Zoe’s absence has sparked significant speculation among her audience, with many expressing concern over her silence, particularly on social media.
Her last Instagram post dates back to August 8, where she shared a throwback interview clip. Before that, she posted pictures of herself with Woody and Nelly, reflecting on their fun summer spent at Ibiza and Brighton Pride.
Zoe has been on leave from Radio 2 since her mother died (Picture: Instagram.com/zoetheball)
Zoe’s departure from her role on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two in May 2021 allowed her to focus more on her radio duties.
Her transition to the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2019 marked a significant career milestone as she became the first woman to host the flagship program, taking over from Chris Evans.
Woody, who is also following in his father’s footsteps as an aspiring DJ, revealed earlier in the year that he and Zoe had been in talks with TV production companies about potentially working on a show together.
For now, fans of Zoe will continue to send their well wishes as they await her return to the airwaves.
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