Page 24 - Heat_UK__30_December_2017

This week
WE’RE
OBSESSED
WITH

Zoë: ‘My new

man’s put me

back together’

The presenter has found love again

oëBallwillnotlookback after18yearsin2016.“Zoëisgrateful
at2017asanythingbut they’vestayed close. She actually met
aterribleyear,givenher Michaelthrough a mutual friend, who
Zboyfriend’s tragic suicide knew they’d hit it off, but Zoë says she
in May at the age of 40. But eight couldn’t have started anything serious
months after the shocking death of without Norman’s approval. In fact,
cameraman Billy Yates, the presenter all of Zoë’s friends and family have
is moving on, and has found love again given Michael the thumbs-up, telling
#24 with construction worker Michael Reed. her not to worry what other people
think. They’ve encouraged Zoë
“Zoëishappy it’slikeshe’sfoundher
mojoagainwithMichael,”saysheat’s to see that this is her life, and she
sourceclosetothe47-year-oldItTakes has to make the most of it.”
Two host.“Hetookherandthekidsaway But that doesn’t mean it’s been an easy
overthefestiveperiod,andZoësays road. “Zoë went through some dark
she’sreallyfallingforhim.It’searlydays times after losing Billy,” says the insider.
andthey’veonlybeendatingforacouple “She spent last year grieving, and it
ofmonths.ShesaysthatMichaelis felt like she was lost in the wilderness
justwhatthedoctororderedandhe’s for a long time. The loss she felt after
helpedhergetbacktoherselfagain. Billy took his own life had a profound
Shefeelsveryluckytohavemethim.” impact on Zoë, and she almost became
AndZoëhasaratherunusual a recluse. But these past few weeks,
supporterofhernewrelationship her it’s like a huge weight has been lifted.
ex-husbandNorman,54,akaFatboy Michael has become a real guiding light
Slim.“NormanhasremainedZoë’sbest for Zoë. But even now, she says it feels
friendandsupporterthroughoutallof wrong to be happy, and she worries what
this,”saysaninsiderclosetothepair, the public might think of her for moving
whohavetwochildrenandseparated on. Loss is a terriblething you’re
left behind to pick upthepieces.
It takes time to regroup,
but Michael’s been
like Zoë’s emotional
superglue. He’s put
her back together. She’s
finally beginning tocurb
all the confusing feelings
of guilt and blame.
Of course, you never
completely get over With her ex
Norman and
something like this,but son Woody
she’s ready to moveon
Zoë has
struggled with at last. And Michael’s
losing Billy definitely a keeper.”■