Presenter and former BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Zoe Ball’s family have suffered further heartbreak as confirmed by her son, who she shares with DJ Fatboy Slim.
Woody Cook, 24, shared the sad news on Instagram on Saturday about their Christmas bereavement.
Cook revealed that his grandmother Ros, who was Fatboy Slim’s mother, passed away on Christmas Day in a heartfelt social media announcement – marking the second grandparent he has lost in 2024.
The 24-year-old, who has appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox and The Circle, posted a touching tribute to his grandmother, describing her as “an amazing woman” who approached her passing with remarkable optimism.
In his Instagram post, Cook wrote: “My Granny Ros passed away on Christmas Day, she was an amazing woman and ‘was ready to start her next life.’ That kind of optimism and mentality really inspires me.”
Fatboy Slim, whose real name is Norman Cook, has yet to comment publicly on the passing of his mother Ros.
The family photo posted by Cook along with the announcement
Please write at least 2 paragraphs
The renowned DJ, known for hits like “Praise You”, separated from Zoe Ball in 2019 after 21 years of marriage but the family remain close.
The loss of Ros comes just eight months after Woody Cook’s other grandmother, Julia, passed away in April following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Julia, Zoe Ball’s mother, had been diagnosed with the illness in March, with her condition rapidly declining over just 12 weeks.
At the time, Cook shared a childhood photo of himself and sister Nelly with Julia, writing: “Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman. The only person who always sent me a valentines card.”
He also referenced his grandmother’s late husband Rick Peckham, adding: “I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug from me.”
Ball had previously shared an emotional tribute to her mother Julia in April, writing: “Sleep tight dear Mama. Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.”
Ball flew to New York with daughter Nelly immediately after her final Radio 2 breakfast show to join Woody for the holidays.
The family was seen ice skating in Central Park and sharing meals together during what Zoe described as a “fairytale” Christmas.
Following the news of Ros’s death, Ball responded to her son’s Instagram post with a series of heart emojis.
Also sharing their condolences was Doctor Who writer Russel T Davis who wished: “Sorry for your loss, Woody”.
