Zoe Ball and Norman Cook’s daughter, Nelly, made a rare public appearance just as her mother announced her big radio comeback.
The 14-year-old stepped out with her father, DJ Norman Cook—better known as Fatboy Slim—at the star-studded F1 75 Live event at The O2 Arena on Tuesday.
Their outing came just weeks after Ball, 54, bid an emotional farewell to her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show in December after six years as host and was replaced by Scott Mills.
Ball said it was "time to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family" following the death of her mother Julia.
Nelly, whose parents were married from 1999 until their split in 2020, is rarely seen at public events.
However, she appeared at ease as she accompanied her father, 61, to the glamorous gathering.
On the red carpet, Cook proudly wrapped a protective arm around his daughter as they posed for photos, mingling with fellow celebrities at the high-profile event celebrating the sport’s 75th season, where all 10 teams unveiled their 2025 liveries alongside their drivers.
Also seen walking the red carpet were Gordon Ramsay and wife Tanya as well as the show’s host Jack Whitehall, Geri Halliwell and singer Sam Ryder.
Their outing comes hours after the BBC announced that Ball is set to return to Radio 2 with a weekend show, from 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays from May.
Ball will also host two specials, including a BBC TV show celebrating Elaine Paige’s 60-year career in showbusiness with a concert.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.”
The announcement followed news that the radio star is now enjoying a quieter pace of life at the Big Beach Cafe in the picturesque seaside town of Hove in east Sussex.
Her son, Woody, 24, said it’s “funny” to see his parents take up a more calming lifestyle after years of being “crazy party people”.
He told MailOnline: "In the last five years, it's been funny watching my parents take up gardening both of them. These crazy party people I grew up with are now gardening, making puzzles and working in the local café.”
Cook, who bought the cafe in 2013, is often seen working at the venue with a name badge reading: “Norm.”
The 24-year-old added: "It's very funny to see that transitional period, just as I'm kind of leaving the nest and now at the start of something big for me in music."
The TV star was one of the highest-paid BBC stars before she quit Radio 2, earning between £950,000 and £955,000 in 2023–2024.
Ball began presenting The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show in January 2019, taking over from radio presenter Chris Evans and becoming the first woman to present the show.
She announced her decision to leave in November.
The presenter fought back tears during her final show as she received messages from singer Kylie Minogue, England footballer Alessia Russo and Doctor Who star David Tennant.
She gave a shout-out to her kids, who she said “fill me with wonder every day, being your mum is the best thing that ever happened to me”.
Woody had a special message for his mother, saying: “Hey mum, you've done such an amazing job on the Breakfast Show, I just want to say thank you for making everyone's mornings a bit more magic - and here's to a healthier sleeping schedule, love Woody.”
Following his sweet tribute, Ball said through tears, “My goodness, this is for everyone who listened, and this whole team in the room and my kids of course,” before playing Frank Wilson’s Do I love you? Indeed I do.”
