Norman gives Zoë his blessing to marry
She’s madly in love with her new man
They only began dating late last year, but Zoë Ball is already gearing up to marry new boyfriend Michael Reed – and even has the permission of ex-husband Norman Cook.
The new couple were spotted on a family day out last week, and we’re told the TV presenter is “the happiest she’s ever been” since getting together with the construction boss. Following the tragic suicide of former boyfriend Billy Yates last year, friends say she’s realised life’s too short to wait around. “Zoë is head-over-heels in love with Michael,” our source says. “It may seem like a bit of a whirlwind, but they’re perfect together. Zoë really wants to get married and has got Norman’s blessing. After Billy died so suddenly, she wants to live life to the max.
“Michael’s met Zoë’s kids, and friends think he could propose by the summer. They don’t live together at the moment, he’s at Zoë’s most the time and it feels like the next step.
“She’s said she would love to be Mrs Reed.”
Zoë, 47, met Michael through mutual friends last year, and insiders say he has been instrumental in helping her after cameraman Billy took his own life last May. Zoë got together with Billy following her divorce from Norman, the father of her two children, Woody, 17, and Nelly, seven.
They’ve always remained on good terms and Norman – AKA Fatboy Slim – just wants Zoë to be happy and sees that Michael helps her do that.
“Michael is a traditional romantic, he loves surprising her and whisking her away,” we’re told. “He makes Zoë feel safe and secure and it’s just what she needs after the year she’s had. Norman approves as he can see Michael treats her well – he’s met him several times and they get on. Norman will always be a part of Zoë’s life, so having his approval is important to her. She’s not expecting them to hang out all the time but knows they’re comfortable with each and that the kids are happy.
“She didn’t think she’d find love so soon after Billy, but she’s really embracing it, because she knows too well how quickly it can all end.”