BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball has warmly marked a major family milestone, celebrating her daughter Nelly's sweet 16th birthday with a touching social media tribute that included her ex-husband, the DJ Norman Cook, famously known as Fatboy Slim.
A Family Celebration Despite Divorce
The 55-year-old broadcaster shared a heartwarming montage of nostalgic photographs on Instagram this Thursday, chronicling her daughter's life from infancy to the present day. The collection featured cherished moments, including a young Nelly on a Brighton beach with her father. Ball affectionately captioned the post: 'Happy Sweet 16 BG ♥️ love you Nelly Noodle.'
Ball and Cook, 62, separated in 2016 after 18 years of marriage, but have consistently demonstrated a united front in parenting their two children: son Woody, 25, and now 16-year-old Nelly. Their ability to maintain a close friendship and effective co-parenting relationship has been widely noted.
Sibling Tributes and Festive Reunions
The birthday celebrations were a full family affair. Nelly's older brother, Woody, also posted a heartfelt carousel of images of the pair together, jokingly writing: 'Happy Birthday to my Favourite Sister I’ll ever have!!!!!!!'
This birthday tribute follows a recent family reunion over the Christmas period, where Zoe and Norman joked about 'putting the funk into dysfunctional' while celebrating with their children and Woody's girlfriend, Ruby Prunstuke. The former couple were all smiles in a festive group photo, underscoring their amicable dynamic.
Grandmotherly Desires and Family Futures
In a recent candid moment on her 'Dig It' podcast with friend Jo Whiley, Zoe Ball revealed her desperation to become a grandmother. Discussing the irresistible scent of a newborn's head, Ball lamented her wait for grandchildren, quipping: 'Can I borrow someone's baby please? I miss it.' She even admitted that if she weren't 'too old,' she would have more children herself.
Meanwhile, her son Woody is carving his own path in the music industry, openly addressing the 'nepo baby' label sometimes attached to him. He credits his parents' love and work ethic for his success, telling new! magazine: 'They are the most generous, loving, kind, hard-working people on earth, and that's what they've given me.' He maintains that his music must ultimately speak for itself.
The public glimpses into the Ball-Cook family life continue to paint a picture of modern, supportive blended relationships, centred on mutual respect and celebration of their children's key life moments.
