Zoe Ball tried to help depressed lover, court told

ZOE BALL tried in vain to help her troubled boyfriend after two previous suicide attempts, an inquest has heard.

Billy Yates, 40, who had dated the presenter for several months, had suffered depression for several years before he died last May. The cameraman had concerns over a tax bill but his relationship with Ball, 47, had been going well when he was found dead, Westminster Coroner’s Court heard.

The pair began dating after Ball, a Strictly Come Dancing contestant and later presenter, and her husband Norman Cook, the DJ Fatboy Slim, separated in 2016. They had a “beautiful relationship” and were the “love of each other’s life”, his family said.

Dr Barbara Rooney, a psychiatrist, said Ball had tried to help Mr Yates, a former Royal Marine, get over his depression. But the Antiques Roadshow and Xtra Factor cameraman was found hanged at his south London flat by a friend. Coroner Shirley Radcliffe returned an open verdict as she was not certain his death had been intentional.