ZOE BALL has been rumoured to be dating a businessman seven years her junior.

The 47-year-old presenter, who lives on Hove seafront, was spotted with 40-year-old Michael Reed on a night out in London on Thursday.

The Sun on Sunday reported that the Strictly It Takes Two presenter had left her girl friends at private members club Soho House in the capital to meet Mr Reed for a drink at exclusive The Union Club night spot.

The loved up pair were then seen heading to the Soho Hotel.

Mr Reed runs a building development firm Zero Zero Five Limited and lives in Chislehurst, Kent.

He has split from ex-partner Carrelyn Gardner and has three daughters.

It is believed he met Zoe through friends.

Their romance comes seven months after the death of her former partner Billy Yates.

The 40-year-old cameraman for the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow was found dead at his home in Putney in May.

It has been reported he was suffering from depression and financial issues.

Zoe, who was said to be at home in Hove when Mr Yates was found, took time off work after his death.

In November, on the sixth month anniversary of Mr Yates’s death, she posted a touching tribute to her former partner on social media.

Alongside a photograph of the couple, she wrote: “6 months today ... no time at all, yet so so long to be without you & your wondrous ways, your love, your gorgeous monkey face, your voice, your laughter, your daftness, your glorious commentary on the worlds shenanigans, your mess, your big bear hugs & your dancing feets.

“You are so missed monkey. at times its impossible to comprehend what has happened.

“But you are at peace, and we can take comfort from that.

“And we all get a little bit stronger every day.

“Small steps eh.

“You are forever in our hearts & always in my pocket Snoops. Keep shining up there for us. Love you beautiful one.”

Zoe, who is well known in Brighton and Hove particularly for her charitable efforts, was married to DJ Fatboy Slim.

However, last year the couple announced that they had split.

Both said they intended to remain good friends, and that appears to have been the case.

Earlier this year they were together when their son Woody went to pick up his exam results from Brighton College.