Love dramas
he was recently S snapped moving out of her home – just a few doors down from ex-husband Norman Cook’s Brighton pad – and now pals say Zoe Ball is ready to take the next step with her new romance.
Last week, insiders told Closer how businessman and dad-oftwo Michael Reed, 47, has been helping the Strictly: It Takes Two host, also 47, overcome her grief following the tragic suicide of her boyfriend Billy Yates last May.
The mum of two split from her husband of 18 years, Fatboy Slim DJ Norman, 54 – with whom she has Woody, 17, and Nelly, eight – in 2016 and moved on with cameraman Billy. According to reports, the star had originally agreed to live close to her ex for their children’s sake, though insiders say she now wants to give her new relationship the space to flourish.
A source says, “Zoe’s smitten with Michael. And after going through so much heartache over the past year, she’s ready to move on and finally give herself a shot at a happy future again.
“Her new East Sussex home is less than an hour’s drive away, and is halfway between Michael’s London home and Norman’s place, so the plan is that Michael will be able to spend time at Zoe’s new pad and still be back in London for when he has his children.”
The pair started dating after being introduced through mutual pals in October. And while the couple have reportedly introduced their children to each other, insiders say they’re not rushing their romance.
A source says, “Zoe and Michael are still very much in the honeymoon stage and love
hanging out at home, watching films together, cooking and being in that fuzzy bubble of a new relationship.
“They’ve spoken about being an extended family in the future, but right now they’re just focusing on taking the next step and spending more time together.”
And pals reveal Norman has given his ex-wife his blessing.
The source adds, “Zoe and Norman remain close and are still committed to raising their children together. Zoe even introduced Norman to Michael before he met the kids, out of respect.
“They both want the best for each other and wish to continue their good relationship, both for themselves and for their children.”