Zoe Ball ‘getting stronger’ after ‘heartbreak’ of partner’s death

Zoe Ball has said she is “getting stronger” after her partner Billy Yates’s suicide last year, but that she still struggles with moments of grief.

Cameraman Mr Yates was found dead in May at the age of 40. TV presenter Ball last week cycled more than 350 miles from Blackpool to Brighton for mental illness awareness, raising more than £500,000 for Sport Relief.

Ball told the Radio Times that, while she still struggles with unsuspected moments of heartache, she is gradually feeling better. “I’m getting stronger,” she said.

“I’m a tough old cookie. My family have been through a lot.

“There are moments when you least expect it when grief catches you. But the main thing for me is I’ve found people who have been through this and are doing better. They’ve found some hope. That’s the biggest thing for me, that there is hope. Otherwise what are we doing this for?”

Ball, 47, said that she has moments “when I can’t believe any of this happened”.

“I’m in the middle of this challenge and Billy’s gone,” she said, adding: “That never leaves you. That and the heartbreak, and the fact you couldn’t save them.”

Picture: PA. TV presenter Zoe Ball.