TV and radio presenter Zoe Ball says becoming a mother has been the making of her . Her party lifestyle in the Nineties earned her a reputation as a ladette . But Zoe Ball says becoming a mother has been the making of her . The 44-year-old BBC TV and radio presenter also revealed that she uses her children as an excuse to have a quiet night at home . She said : ‘ My kids are the best things that have ever happened to me . They are amazing. ’ The former raver married Norman Cook , 51 – better known as DJ Fatboy Slim – in 1999 and they have a son Woody , 14 , and daughter Nelly , five . At the height of her partying days while fronting the Radio 1 Breakfast Show , Miss Ball admitted she was once so ‘ high ’ while presenting live from hedonistic party island Ibiza she could barely speak . Miss Ball , who was once happy to swig from a bottle of Jack Daniels , has been teetotal for the last six years but recently admitted she is now enjoying the occasional drink . Speaking at an awards ceremony on Sunday which saw Esther Rantzen crowned Tesco celebrity mother of the year , she said the children were her top priority . Miss Ball , who recently presented Strictly Come Dancing , said : ‘ The great thing about being a mum is that it gives you something else to think about other than yourself . ' I just think it ’ s the best job in the world . ‘ In the beginning it ’ s like , “ What do you mean I ’ m never going to go out any more ? ” but now it ’ s such a joy . It ’ s such a great excuse to be like , “ No , I ’ m with the kids , ” so you don ’ t have to go out any more. ’ But motherhood did not come easily . She said : ‘ It was tricky at first . You ’ re like “ What ? You scream all night ? I don ’ t know what to do '' . 'But you learn about yourself , you grow and you also start to understand your own parents . Her party lifestyle in the Nineties earned her a reputation as a ladette ( left ) . She married Norman Cook , 51 , also known as Fatboy Slim , in 1999 ( with whom she is pictured right ) Together they have a son Woody , 14 , and daughter Nelly , five . Pictured : The couple leaving Portland Hospital with Woody , aged five days . 'You go “ I ’ m so sorry mum for giving you such a hard time because you were making it up as you were going along too '' . ' She also revealed Cook has turned out to be ‘ the best dad ’ . ‘ I have to say he is amazing , ’ she said . ‘ Who would have thought that this crazy rave DJ would make such an amazing father but he has . We all grow up and we can ’ t play forever . We have to get sensible . ’
44-year-old revealed she uses her children as an excuse to have a night in . She admits she found it 'tricky at first ' but you soon 'start to understand ' Miss Norman Cook has two children with DJ Ball , known as Fatboy Slim . TV and radio presenter said 51-year-old turned out to be 'the best dad '