Zoe Ball has sparked rumours that she has reconciled with her ex-boyfriend Michael Reed after she was seen out with him and her daughter Nelly on Saturday.
The TV presenter, 49, was spotted getting out of a blue BMW with Michael and nine-year-old Nelly just days after the former couple attended the theatre together.
It was reported that the couple had gone their separate ways in November 2019 after she ‘grew uncomfortable’ with his ambitions ‘to become a model and actor’, with friends fearing he could be ‘using her’.
Back on track? Zoe Ball has sparked rumours that she has reconciled with her ex-boyfriend Michael Reed after she was seen out with him and her daughter Nelly on Saturday
However it appears the former couple may be back on track after they were spotted together twice in the past week.
Zoe and Michael were seen loading the boot of a car with goods from a shopping trolley after UK residents were warned to ‘stay at home’ over COVID-19 fears.
The Radio 2 DJ cut a casual figure during their outing in a black jacket which she wore with blue jeans and a pair of black walking boots.
Meanwhile, Michael looked dapper in a grey quarter-zip and blue jeans which he kept casual with a pair of white trainers.
Confirmed? The TV presenter, 49, was spotted getting out of a blue BMW with Michael and nine-year-old Nelly just days after the former couple attended the theatre together
Representatives for Zoe Ball have been contacted for comment.
A source told The Sun at the time of their split: ‘Zoe knew deep down the relationship wasn’t going anywhere. She enjoyed her time with Michael but came to the conclusion he wasn’t a keeper, despite him believing they were getting serious.
‘There were certain things she grew uncomfortable with, such as him wanting to become a model and actor. Her close circle feared he was using her to enhance his own career.’
A second source claimed Zoe split from Michael to focus on work and her two children, son Woody, 18, and daughter Nelly, nine, who she raises with ex-husband, DJ Norman ‘Fatboy Slim’ Cook, 56.
The insider said: ‘It is very amicable. With all Zoe’s had going on with Billy, work and Norman she’s had so much to deal with and sadly a new relationship was too much. They remain friends but she’s happily single and focusing on her kids and work.’
The broadcaster found love with the construction boss in December 2017, months after her former boyfriend, cameraman Billy Yates, tragically took his own life following a long battle with depression.
Split: It was reported that the couple had gone their separate ways in November 2019 after she ‘grew uncomfortable’ with his ambitions ‘to become a model and actor’, with friends fearing he could be ‘using her’
The split claims came exactly two months after broadcaster Zoe has shared an emotional Instagram snap of her late partner Billy Yates to mark his birthday.
Radio presenter Zoe took to the social media platform with an image of the late cameraman lighting a fire lantern.
She added the caption: ‘Beautiful full moon for your birthday eve Billface. Your star still shines the brightest up there. Fly forever free. Always in this old ♥️ of mine ⭐.’
Billy tragically took his own life in 2017 following a long battle with depression.
In May, Zoe took a day off from her BBC Radio show to mark the exact two-year anniversary of the funeral of Billy.
Earlier that month, Zoe spoke about her grief ahead of the devastating two-year anniversary of Billy’s death during her heartfelt Radio 2 show.
The It Takes Two host admitted that the heartbreaking day makes her knees wobble’ and ‘heart hurt’ as she encouraged her struggling listeners to reach out for help.
During the emotive radio speech, Zoe, who has found love again with Michael Reed, said: ‘So tomorrow it’s going to be two-years since our dear Billy Yates died.
‘Anyone who has lost someone dear to them, be it a friend or a family member, will know that these anniversaries have a tendency to make your knees wobble and your heart hurt.
‘With grief, it’s often an every day feeling not just anniversaries. The longer the time without them, the more you miss their ways and their voice in your life. Even though of course they’ll never leave your heart.
‘These anniversaries are good as they give you an excuse to just spend some time with your thoughts about them.
‘I wanted to send some dear love to his family today and all weekend, and all his brilliant friends – mates with Yates, who we love to pieces.
‘I just wanted to reach out with thoughts and an extra dollop of love to anyone going through anything at the moment, whether it be mental health problems, perhaps a loved one is poorly or maybe you’re just having a right old tricky time of it at the moment.
‘Life is very tough for many reasons, when you can, if you are suffering from mental health problems try and be brave, reach out for help from your friends and family.
‘I can promise you they would do anything for you and it’s not an easy thing to do. Try to remember you’re not alone in this funny old life, cuddle those who you love and treasure those memories.’
Last year, Zoe broke down in tears recalling the last time she saw her partner before he took his own life in May 2017 after a long battle with depression.
The television star became emotional as she spoke about Billy during BBC documentary Zoe Ball’s Hardest Way Home, which aired in March 2018.
Fighting back tears as she spoke about their final moments together, she said: ‘He got on his bike and he cycled off and he turned round and he blew me a kiss goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him.
‘And I feel really grateful that I got my goodbye in a way. And I think that was my goodbye.’
Zoe and Yates, a cameraman and technician, began dating following her marriage split from DJ Norman Cook in 2016 and were first pictured together in February 2017.
The TV personality and the musician were married from 1999 to 2016.
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