Zoe Ball pays tribute to late ex as fans and celebs rush to support grieving star
BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball has been showered with love and support after she addressed the devastating loss of her former partner, Billy Yates, seven years since his tragic passing. The Antiques Roadshow cameraman took his own life in 2017 at the age of 40, a few months into his romance with Zoe, who is now 53.
On Saturday, the popular presenter ended her Instagram hiatus - since her mum died last month - to post a touching photo of Billy, captioning it: "7 years, kisses in the sky." This emotional tribute comes just a few days after the announcement that Zoe's mother, Julia Peckham, had passed away from cancer.
Zoe's heartfelt post prompted an outpouring of condolences from her 715,000 followers. Among those sending virtual hugs was Stacey Dooley, who left a simple yet poignant love heart emoji.
Gaby Roslin, who was stepping in for Zoe on her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, sent her own message which read: "Hugs and love always Zoe.", reported the Express.
A fan reached out saying: "Oh Zoe... you've been through so much... we got you and you got this." Another follower sent their encouragement: "Sending love. Keep going x," while someone else added: "Thinking about you, Zoe, especially at the moment. Take care of yourself, lovely lady."
Billy was the first person Zoe dated after her split from husband Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, in 2016. In remembrance of Billy, Zoe bravely undertook a Sport Relief cycling challenge from Blackpool to Brighton, raising awareness for mental health issues.
At the time, she shared her last moments with her late partner, saying: "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."
The TV star admitted, "I just thought, whatever it is we have to do, I love him so much we will get through this somehow."
Before her partner's tragic departure, she recalled, "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."
Two years later, Zoe revealed to Red Magazine her ongoing struggle to comprehend his death, which she describes as "out of the blue". She told the publication, "It's like you can't see beyond putting your feet on the floor and getting out of bed each day,".
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
