‘My sweet love’ – Zoe’s devastation over boyfriend’s sudden death

Heartbroken Zoe Ball is left reeling after the tragic loss of cameraman Billy Yates

Just days after admitting she was enjoying a new lease of life, Zoe Ball was left devastated when her boyfriend, cameraman Billy Yates, was found dead in his London flat last week.

Insiders say the radio and TV presenter was “madly in love” with 40-year-old Billy, who had helped her get back on track after splitting from her husband Norman Cook, aka DJ Fatboy Slim, last September after 18 years together. As Closer went to press, the circumstances of Billy’s death were still unknown, although police were not treating it as suspicious.

SHOWING SUPPORT

Shortly after the news broke, heartbroken Zoe – who began dating Billy earlier this year – posted a picture of a single pink flower, with the simple caption: “My sweet love X.”

She also retweeted a post from The Samaritans, referring to “Star Wars Day” on 4 May, which, along with a picture of a heart-shaped lightsaber, read: “If it really doesn’t feel like the force is with you today, we’re here and ready to listen #Talktous.”

A source says: “Everyone is rallying around Zoe at the moment. It’s a distressing time but her inner circle all want to show their support.”

It’s believed Zoe met Billy through mutual friends at the BBC, and her dad was delighted to see his daughter so happy. He said: “We’re happy that she’s finding a new lease of life. She’s very happy at the moment and that is lovely.”

The Strictly – It Takes Two presenter, 46, has endured a roller-coaster life in the spotlight. Dubbed as one of the original ’90s “ladettes” alongside her pals DJ Sara Cox and TV presenter Denise Van Outen, Zoe was renowned for her boozing and party lifestyle.

She looked to have settled down when she married ex-husband DJ Norman Cook, 53, in 1999, welcoming son Woody in 2000, and their daughter Nelly a decade later.

But the pair’s marriage was plagued with troubles. In 2003, Zoe’s affair with little-known DJ Dan Peppe was exposed and she left Norman. The pair reconciled three months later and in 2009 they both went sober, with Norman even checking into rehab.

But in December 2015, Zoe was pictured kissing boyband singer Taytay Starhz during Strictly’s wrap party in Soho. She admitted months later that she was drinking again, and in September 2016, she and Norman announced their split.

EMBRACING LIFE

Billy’s tragic death comes a day after Zoe admitted she was enjoying her new life and wanted to have a “last hurrah” before going through the menopause.

She joked: “I’m hot and hairy. It’s like my last hurrah. Is it going to get better? Do I do HRT [hormone replacement therapy] or do I have the funny tea? This is the quandary.

“I’m starting to embrace the older age thing. You just stop caring about stuff so much, which is nice. I’ve had a bit of a year of self-discovery.”

❛all her inner circle are rallying around Zoe at the Moment❜