Woody Cook reveals why he doesn’t want a wild life like his famous parents Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim
Woody Cook has learned many lessons from his parents Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim, he has confessed.
During their early years, the radio host and DJ were known for their party lifestyle and hedonistic nights out.
While those habits certainly run in the family, the DJ, 22, admitted he takes a “much more balanced” approach than his parents.
In an exclusive conversation with MailOnline, Woody revealed that his parents – who split in 2016 after 18 years together – “definitely taught me that actions have consequences.”
He said: ‘Obviously to them they were big partiers and it kind of caught up with them. So now they like gardening and things like that.
Advice: Woody Cook has learned many lessons from his parents Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim, he confessed in an exclusive interview with MailOnline (pictured in February)
Heyday: During their early years, Zoe and Fatboy Slim (real name Norman Cook) were known for their partying lifestyle and extravagant nights out (pictured in 1999)
‘But I like going into the woods and building things and I’m doing that now – not just at fifty!
“I think I have a healthy balance between going out and keeping it cool. Which maybe they didn’t have as much when they were my age.’
Recalling a time when Woody was 16 and on his way to a party, he said his father walked in on him pouring some vodka into a water bottle.
He said, “I had done three or four shots at that point. Then my dad sees me and says, “Is that it? Go on, do another one. Downstairs.”
When not partying, Woody focuses on making music and DJing.
He decided to follow in his DJ father’s footsteps after playing impromptu sets in his University of Bristol student house during the height of the Covid pandemic.
While he has worked “extremely hard” for his success, he also admitted that his famous parents – who are worth an estimated £35 million – have “definitely helped.”
Woody, who will appear at Camp Bestival Dorset this summer, explained: ‘I think I work so hard every day to remind myself that what I have is because of me. I’m not going to pretend I didn’t have help along the way – it’s inevitable.
“But there’s a lot going on behind the scenes with everything you do and a lot of work goes into it — so I know that what I’ve achieved so far is thanks to me.
“I can’t help the situation I’m in – I just need to focus on what I’m doing and make sure it’s the best it can be.
“I never told myself I wanted to go into music because that’s what my dad does. I like all arts, music, drama – everything.
‘It’s just who I am. I’m certainly not the type who can sit in an office all day.’
Influence: The DJ, 22, admitted he takes a ‘much more balanced’ approach than his parents (pictured with his parents and sister Nelly, 13)
Family: The Celebrity Gogglebox star is the son of esteemed BBC presenter Zoe and DJ and producer Fatboy Slim (pictured in 2015)
Last month, Woody’s father Fatboy Slim revealed the shocking ritual he goes through before taking the stage to perform.
Superstar DJ, real name Norman Cook, has a rather unorthodox request that his manager gives in to make sure the musician is in the right frame of mind.
The DJ needs a slap in the face to make sure he’s alert and ready to hit the stage for any performance.
“That transformation includes three Red Bulls, putting on a Hawaiian shirt, taking my shoes off and getting punched really hard in the face by my tour manager, Al,” he said..
The ritual first came about when he got sober 14 years ago, with the clap taking the place of all drinks.
Woody followed in his father’s footsteps and revealed that he also likes a slap in the face.
He told MailOnline, “There’s just something about getting that adrenaline in your body before you move on. It puts you in the zone. That – and sometimes a kiss too.’
When a punch doesn’t help, Woody meditates instead.
“It’s a little different than a slap, but it just helps to calm you down before you move on.” It also really helps with my mental health.’
Woody is currently preparing to join Swapfiets in hosting the UK’s first E-Cycling Proficiency Course – after research found that the majority of Britons are uncomfortable cycling in city centres.
The free, one-day course, led by Woody, is Swapfiets’s own version of the national CBT course motorcycle riders need to become drivers, and is open to cyclists of all abilities.
He who will be one of the first to try the trail and has confessed that he didn’t feel confident cycling in city centers said: ‘I cycle a lot at home, but when I’ve tried cycling in the city I find it very frightening .
Nepo baby: While he has worked ‘extremely hard’ for his success, Woody also admitted that his famous parents – who are worth an estimated £35 million – ‘definitely helped’
Wheely good: Woody is currently preparing to take part in the UK’s first E-Cycling Proficiency Course with Swapfiets
‘It’s incredibly busy on the street and the traffic is so busy that I often find cycling in the city center a challenge and feel like I’m being thrown into the deep end.
‘I’ve had a few falls cycling in the city, which has really affected my confidence, and I’ve often tried to avoid cycling in London whenever possible.
‘I’m sure taking part in this taster course with Swapfiets will give me the skills to confidently cycle around the city and hopefully get me back on two wheels when I visit.’
The Swapfiets ‘E-Cycling Proficiency Course’ will be trialled on April 29 from 11am to 3pm in London and people can sign up for the whole course or specific lessons for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swapfiets- london-cycle-school-tickets-615081444157