BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, 54, and her ex-husband Fatboy Slim aka Norman Cook, are "happier than ever", according to her dad Johnny Ball. The veteran TV personality revealed his daughter is still close with her ex despite their split in 2016 after 18 years together. The couple, who share children Woody and Nelly together, have remained close friends, and the BBC star has even moved down to Brighton to be closer to him, and even works in his beach cafe.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Johnny said: "Norman and Zoe are still friends. They are better separated and much happier with each other separated. They tried 20 years of that. At first they were great friends because of the kids and now they are great friends because they’re great friends. That’s very good." Their close relationship comes after Zoe stepped away from her £1milion a year 6.30am Radio 2 slot to have a quieter life, announcing last year that she was leaving to focus on her family following the death of her beloved mum Julia.

She also cited her diagnosis of emporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) as also being an issue, as the condition affects the jaw and can cause pain, headaches, and even difficulty opening the mouth.

As she was replaced by Scott Mills, Zoe has been spending more time in Brighton with her ex, with their son Woody revealing they have been "doing puzzles and gardening" together.

The couple's closer than ever bond comes after Norman called Zoe his "soulmate" earlier this year, telling the Mirror: "She brought me through the trickier bits [of fame]. If you are out with your mates you can't say to them "I am having trouble coping with fame." You are not going to get a lot of sympathy.

"But to Zoe I could say 'I am a bit scared. Is this not scary?' We could talk about it as we were thrust into the same spotlight. It was nice to have a soulmate in there with you.'

Zoe is set to return to BBC radio presenting next month, as she is set to host a new weekly show from 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays.

She will also be hosting two radio specials, including appearing in a TV show concert celebrating Elaine Paige’s showbusiness career over six decades.

Johnny's autobiography, Johnny Ball: My Previous Life In Comedy published by The Book Guild, is out now.