Zoe Ball has been inundated with support after paying tribute to her ex-boyfriend Billy Yates seven years on from his death today. The Antiques Roadshow cameraman died by suicide back in 2017 aged 40, just months into his relationship with Zoe, 53.
In a tribute posted on Saturday, the BBC Radio 2 host broke her Instagram silence to share a picture of her late partner alongside the caption: “7 years, kisses in the sky.” Zoe’s post comes just 10 days after she announced her mum Julia had died from cancer.
Following the presenter’s difficult time, many of her 715,000 followers flocked to the comments section to share heartfelt messages. Leading the supportive comments was presenter Stacey Dooley, who shared a love heart emoji.
Gaby Roslin, who has been covering Zoe’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, added: “Hugs & love always Zoe.” One fan commented: “Oh Zoe… you’ve been through so much… we got you and you got this.”
A second wrote: “Sending love. Keep going x,” while another typed: “Thinking about you, Zoe, especially at the moment. Take care of yourself, lovely lady.”
Cameraman Billy was Zoe’s first known boyfriend following her split from husband Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim in 2016.
In his memory, the presenter completed a Sport Relief cycling challenge from Blackpool to Brighton to highlight the importance of mental health.
Speaking after the challenge in May 2018, Zoe emotionally opened up about her final moments with her partner.
She shared at the time: “It was just that moment and that feeling of, ‘Oh my god, I love him so much and we’ll find help and it will all be ok’. And I wish I’d told him that.
“I just thought, whatever it is we have to do, I love him so much we will get through this somehow.
“He got on his bike and he cycled off and he turned round and he blew me a kiss, and that was the last time that I saw him. And I feel really grateful that I got my goodbye in a way. And I think that was my goodbye.”
In an interview with Red Magazine two years later, Zoe said she was still in shock about his death, which a friend claimed was “out of the blue”.
“It’s like you can’t see beyond putting your feet on the floor and getting out of bed each day,” she shared with the publication.
The mother-of-two went on to stress how important it is to remember that help is available for those battling mental health issues.
Zoe went on to find love again with model Michael Reed, however the pair parted ways after five years last year.
Last month, while on a break from her show, the presenter announced that her mum Julia Peckham had died from cancer.
In the weeks leading up to her passing, Zoe had been keeping fans up to date with her progress and most recently shared that she had moved into a hospice.
At the time, the presenter told listeners it had been a “difficult time” and thanked fans for their support.
The host has since remained on a break from her show, with Gaby Roslin on presenting duties for the foreseeable.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. Alternatively, you can find more information on the Samaritans website here.
