Singer and radio presenter Michael Ball stunned fans in July 2024 during the Paris Olympics when the West End star announced on his BBC Radio 2 show he was heading to France to support his granddaughter in the Olympics. Shocked fans took to social media to claim it was the first they had head of Michael having a grandchild and they expressed their confusion.

Things were clarified when it was explained Grace is granddaughter of Michael's partner Cathy McGowan and her ex-husband the late Hywel Bennett, but Michael has been there all Grace's life. Prior to meeting Michael, Cathy welcomed daughter Emma - Michael's stepdaughter - with Bennett. Emma herself went on to welcome daughter Grace and son Connor. Michael and the former Ready Steady Go! presenter have been together since the late 80s.

They first met when she was an entertainment reporter and they have lived together since 1992 but never married. Reflecting on the early days of their romance, in a 2024 interview with Platinum magazine Michael said they were initially just friends.

"I remember she came to interview me [for the musical Aspects Of Love] and at first we were friends and then it was more than that. I couldn't imagine my life without her."

Cathy is 82 to Michael's 63, but he has said the 20-year age difference isn't an issue for the couple. "Every night is a date night with Cathy! I'm too old to be a toy boy, and age has never been an issue or thought about.

"We've been together about 30 years now, and all I can say is I wish I looked as young as she does, because she looks amazing!"

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He went on to tell the publication Cathy is "more than happy that the focus is on me now" having had her own career.

Their relationship has stood the test of time and in 2019 Michael told The Mirror the secret to their longevity.

"We're understanding of each other, we're respectful and we like each other," he said, summing up their union.

Despite this, they have never felt the need to marry. "It's just not something that we need to do," he told the paper. "My public life is insane, but once that front door closes I leave that version of myself outside and I just like to relax at home."