Ball insists relationship developed after split with Fatboy

Zoe Ball has told how her friendship with musician Dan Peppe "developed" after she parted from her husband.

The presenter has also asked for her and her family be treated "graciously" to allow them to get on with their lives.

Ball and her husband Norman Cook - whom she married in 1999 - separated last month. The radio host is currently taking a break from London station XFM.

She said: "I am trying very hard to conduct my personal life away from the eyes of the press, but this is proving impossible. So there are a number of things I want to say in the hope that you will now give me some time and space."

Ball, who issued a statement, continued: "I left Norman at the beginning of December - there were problems in our marriage that had arisen and I had subsequently met someone else - I told Norman in December that this was the case - he didn't want to know the name or any other detail.

"My friendship with Daniel Peppe has developed since then.