Meet Michael Ball's Partner, Cathy, Helped Him Not Feel Like A 'Freak', Is 20 Years Older Than Him

Michael Ball has paid his respects to his long-term partner. The star shared that his partner was the one who helped him come to terms with a life-changing injury. Saturday Kitchen has returned to BBC One on February 28, 2026, with presenter, Matt Tebbutt welcoming chefs, Georgina Hayden, Sam Holland and Avi Shashidhara to cook up a storm. 

This week, joining them in the kitchen will be the West End legend and BBC Radio 2 host, Michael Ball. The TV star has been in a relationship for over thirty years and has been going strong. The 63-year-old is loved up with broadcaster and journalist, Cathy McGowan, best known as the presenter of the 1960s pop music show, Ready Steady Go. 

Who is Michael Ball's partner?

Cathy McGowan is a British broadcaster and journalist best known as the presenter of the 1960s pop music television show, Ready Steady Go! She was first married to actor, Hywel Bennett in 1967 and welcomed a daughter named Emma. However, they soon decided to part ways, dissolving their marriage in 1988. She is also the sister of John McGowan, who was a disc jockey at King Radio in 1965.

When Michael Ball stunned everyone with the news of being a grandparent

Singer and radio presenter, Michael Ball, stunned fans when he announced he is going to France to support his granddaughter at the Olympics. It was in July 2024, during the Paris Olympics, when the West End star made the announcement on his BBC Radio 2 show. At the time, shocked fans took to social media to claim it was the first they had heard of Michael having a grandchild, and they expressed their confusion. 

However, things were later clarified: Grace is not directly related to him; she is the granddaughter of Michael's partner, Cathy McGowan, and her ex-husband, the late Hywel Bennett. Michael has been there all of Grace's life. Prior to meeting Michael, Cathy welcomed daughter, Emma, Michael's stepdaughter, with Bennett. Emma herself went on to welcome her daughter, Grace, and her son, Connor. Michael and the former Ready Steady Go! presenter have been together since the late 1980s, making their relationship over three decades old.

How did Michael Ball and Cathy McGowan meet?

Michael Ball and Cathy McGowan first met in the late 1980s when the latter interviewed the star for a BBC programme. He was starring in the musical, Aspects of Love, at the time, kicking off their lifelong romance despite their 20-year age gap.

The injury that changed Michael Ball's role and how Cathy McGowan made him feel okay

Prior to meeting Cathy McGowan, Michael Ball had doubts that he would ever find love after suffering from a life-changing injury when he was 18-years-old. The Les Misérables icon was involved in a horrific charity parachute jump accident, which left him with a ruptured groin and internal bleeding. The accident was bad enough that it led to Michael having to undergo numerous operations over a four-year period, and as a result, he isn't able to have children of his own. Talking about the same, Michael was quoted as saying:

"I was going to Earth at four times the speed I was meant to and got dragged along the floor. It was very difficult to come to terms with. I was so embarrassed by what had happened to me down below that I didn't tell anyone for six months. All I ever thought was, 'Will I ever be normal?' I didn't feel adequate to be with the rest of the lads running with all the girls. I didn't have a sexual relationship for more than four years." 

Michael Ball further added that Cathy McGowan never made him feel less or like a 'freak'. He added that while he hasn't been able to have children, Michael found love with 1960s star, Cathy, sharing: "She taught me not to feel like a freak." He shared that to Cathy, he was attractive as he was, and he loved his life with her. He was quoted as saying:

"She made me feel attractive for me, not for being Mr Entertainment. I love my home, I love the normality of my life with Cathy."

Michael Ball and Cathy McGowan's 20-year age gap

Despite living together since 1992, Michael Ball and Cathy McGowan never married. Reflecting on the early days of their romance, Michael said in a 2024 interview with Platinum magazine that they were initially just friends. He was quoted as saying:

"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. 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."

Michael Ball and Cathy McGowan's decision not tie the knot despite being together for 37 years

In a 2019 conversation with The Mirror, Michael Ball discussed not getting married to Cathy McGowan despite being together for over 30 years. 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. He shared that, "We're understanding of each other, we're respectful, and we like each other." However, they have never felt the need to get married, he said, "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."

What are your thoughts on Michael Ball's love life with Cathy McGowan? Let us know.

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