Radio presenter Zoe Ball has revealed intimate details about her romantic past, confessing that it took years for her to recover from one particular former relationship.

Speaking on the latest instalment of her Dig It podcast with co-host Jo Whiley, the duo delved into their romantic histories while also sharing insights about their children’s dating experiences.

Looking back on previous heartbreaks, Zoe spoke candidly about the devastating impact of relationship breakdowns: “When you’re having your heart broken, it really is a physical thing, isn’t it?”

“It feels like your heart is actually breaking. The pain in your chest and that thing when you fall asleep and you feel so sad and you wake up and, for a minute, you might forget, and you feel so sad.”

Offering a glimpse into how profoundly past relationship failures have impacted her throughout the years, she confessed: “I think my worst heartbreak took me two years to get over, maybe a little longer.”

Whilst Zoe has enjoyed numerous romantic partnerships over the years, her most publicised romance was with DJ Norman Cook, better known to fans as Fatboy Slim. Following their initial encounter in 1997 whilst Norman was performing as a DJ in Ibiza, the couple became engaged two years later.

They later welcomed two children together, Woody, born in 2000, and Nelly, five years afterwards. Despite her romance with Norman reaching its conclusion, she has previously revealed how they continue to maintain an amicable relationship.

During a discussion on her and Jo’s Dig It podcast earlier this month, she revealed: “And so when Norm and I split up, we were still friends and it took time. But one of our things, right, we’ve got to do right by our kids and we’ve got to make this work for them.”

Following the end of her relationship with Norman in 2016, Zoe started dating Billy Yates in 2017, though he tragically died by suicide later that year.

She later began a relationship with former construction firm boss Michael Reed in December 2017, before their romance ended in 2023.

Despite her previous heartache, there is mounting speculation that Zoe has found love again, after pictures surfaced of her holding hands with a mystery man whilst attending Glastonbury this summer.

Zoe has become one of the most beloved figures in radio throughout the years. Commencing her position with BBC Radio 1 in 1997, she subsequently concluded her remarkable tenure at the station in 2000.

Following various other positions in-between, she returned to the BBC in 2019 where she assumed control of Chris Evans’ Radio 2 breakfast programme, which held particular importance as she became the broadcaster’s first full-time female presenter of the legendary breakfast slot.

Nevertheless, she departed the breakfast show last December, after explaining that the choice resulted from her desire to dedicate more time to family.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.