ZOE’S SON: I PROMISE TO LOOK AFTER YOU
Teenager’s vow after radio star loses partner
ZOE Ball’s teenage son has pledged to “look after” his mum after her boyfriend killed himself.
In an emotional message on a tribute page set up to Billy Yates, the radio presenter’s son Woody wrote: “I’m sorry we spent so little time together.
“No one deserves to feel what you felt. “I’ll look after her.” Zoe replied: “My best boy. You make me the proudest mama ever.
“You blow my mind with your love.”
The grieving 46-year-old joined Billy’s relatives and close friends for his funeral near his parents’ home in Lancashire on Monday.
The 40-year-old was found dead at his flat in Putney, London, earlier this month.
Billy was Zoe’s first serious romance since she split from her husband of 18 years and Woody’s dad Norman Cook – aka Fatboy Slim – in September.
Friends said he had helped get her life back on track, with one close pal adding: “Billy had made her happy again after the most horrendous year when her marriage broke down.”
The TV cameraman, who worked on Antiques Roadshow and The Xtra Factor and was battling depression, had been with mum-of-two Zoe for four months.
After his death, she retweeted a message from the Samaritans which said: “If it really doesn’t feel like the force is with you today, we’re here and ready to listen. TalkToUs.”
And she praised the BBC for producing a documentary about life after the suicide of a loved one.
Radio 2 DJ Zoe also responded to fans sending their condolences on Twitter.
She told one Twitter user, who said the star “must be bewildered and wondering what the point is”, they were “pretty much spot on”.
Zoe’s management team also thanked the public for their “kind messages and support”.
On Tuesday, the presenter posted a holiday snap of Billy lying in the sun as an Instagram tribute to her late boyfriend.
She wrote: “Goodnight my beautiful Boy. I’ll be loving you always.”
Her friend Katie Hill responded: “Love this more than words.
“Was thinking last night as I ate a curry in Billy’s honour, I’m so glad he got to go to India, the mother of curry, ate it till his heart’s content, and lay in the sun with his lady love.
“He loved you so very much.”