Norman Cook returns home from NYE gig in Italy after a lonely Christmas following split from Zoe Ball... while she celebrates six months of sobriety

By Julia Pritchard for MailOnline

Published: 18:06 EST, 1 January 2017 | Updated: 19:51 EST, 1 January 2017

It was announced in September that he had split from his wife Zoe Ball.

And Norman Cook certainly looked ready to put this difficult year behind him on Sunday, as he landed in London after an exciting New Years' Eve gig with a smile.

The 53-year-old DJ, who is better known by the name Fatboy Slim, looked in good spirits as he returned home from his club appearance in Parma, Italy - one week after embarking on his first Christmas alone in 17 years.

Scroll down for video 

Moving on: Norman Cook, 53, certainly looked ready to put this difficult year behind him on Sunday, as he landed in London after a New Years' Eve gig with a smile

The famous musician kept things low-key in a simple jeans and jumper combo as he touched back in his hometown after the whistle stop visit. 

Pulling his suitcase behind him and a package under his arm, the father-of-two looked comfortable and content as he strolled through the airport for home with a smile.

The Praise You hitmaker had helped party-goers celebrate the arrival of 2017 in Cortile Della Pilotta club in Parma, Italy - keeping busy with his music following the difficult breakdown of his marriage earlier this year.

Distracted: The Praise You hitmaker had played a busy New Year's Eve gig in Parma, Italy - keeping busy with his music following the difficult breakdown of his marriage earlier this year

Norman announced he was separating from his wife of 17 years Zoe Ball in September. 

However it was later claimed that Norman, who has two children with the TV presenter, had been left devastated by the split, and was hoping for a reconciliation.

A source close to the couple told The Sun: 'Norman doesn’t want a divorce. He is distraught the marriage is over. Zoe has had enough but he's desperately hoping she will come back.'

It's over: Norman announced he was separating from his wife of 17 years Zoe Ball in September

The insider continued that the DJ 'adores' Zoe - who he wed in 1999 at Babington House, Somerset - and has always put their 'family first'. 

However while Norman no doubt fought back his emotions this Christmas, estranged wife Zoe had cause to celebrate, after remaining sober for six months.

Strictly's It Takes Two host, 46, took to Instagram last week to congratulate herself on an impressive half-a-year milestone, posting an inspiring message aimed at those who pulled her through the tough times.

'Not always easy but feels good #gratitude #sobriety #calmness #strength #justfortoday #love ❤️ #merrychristmastome 

Looking forward: However it was later claimed that Norman, who has two children with the presenter, Woody (above) and daughter Nelly, was hoping for a reconciliation

'Love & gratitude to some special people who have helped me stay strong xxxxxxxxxx,' she captioned the snap.

Zoe has previously been candid about her struggles with alcohol and in 2014 admitted she broke her sobriety after six years of abstinence, which she first began in 2009 on the morning of New Year's Day following a party of 'total carnage'.

The Strictly: It Takes Two host confessed to Essentials magazine that while she was back to drinking, she kept it in moderation.

'To be honest, I can't handle the hangovers - I'm an all-or-nothing person. But I know that about myself, which is the key to stopping.'

Milestone: However while Norman no doubt fought back his emotions this Christmas, estranged wife Zoe (right) had cause to celebrate, after managing to stay sober for six months

 

 

 

Comments (119)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now