TV presenter Ball ‘devastated’ over partner’s death
TV PRESENTER Zoe Ball (right) says she is “devastated” following the death of her partner Billy Yates at the age of 40.
Her spokesman said: “Zoe is devastated and requests that during this difficult time the media respect her privacy as well as the privacy of her friends and family.”
Mr Yates, a cameraman for the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’, was found dead at his south London home on Thursday evening.
‘Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two’ host Ball posted a picture of a flower on her Instagram page earlier yesterday, along with the caption: “My sweet love X.”
A BBC spokesperson confirmed Kate Thornton will be stepping in to present Ball’s weekly BBC Radio 2 programme this afternoon at 3pm.
Ball (46) is believed to have been in a relationship with Yates for several months.
She announced her separation from husband of 18 years Norman Cook, known as DJ Fatboy Slim, in September last year.
Ball retweeted a post by the Samaritans on Thursday evening but her representative said she would not be commenting on his death. The tweet read: “If it really doesn’t feel like the force is with you today, we’re here and ready to listen #TalkToUs #MayTheFourthBeWithYou.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed the circumstances surrounding the death were “not being treated as suspicious”. The force said in a statement: “Police were called to a residential address in Putney, south London at 18.40 on Thursday 4 May, to reports of a man found deceased.
“Officers attended alongside staff from the London Ambulance Service, and a man believed to be aged 40 was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances are not being treated as suspicious, and the coroner has been informed.”