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Zoe Ball Honors Billy Yates 8 Years After Tragic Death

BBG News

Zoe Ball honored her deceased partner, Billy Yates, by remembering him on the eighth anniversary of his passing, a time when they were still a couple.

Recently, the radio broadcaster, aged 53, has been going through challenging times. Sadly, she lost her mother in April of the previous year after a brief fight against pancreatic cancer.

After the passing of her mother, Zoe opted to take a break from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show to dedicate more moments with her loved ones.

Zoe temporarily stepped back from her weekend program, specifically on Saturdays, following Billy’s death at the age of 40 in May 2017.

The cameraman tragically ended his life after a prolonged struggle with depression, as Zoe shared that she’s been in disbelief for the past two years since the unfortunate event.

Accompanying a photo of Billy on his motorcycle, sporting sunglasses, she penned on Monday: ‘Forever etched in our hearts for 8 years, Billface #friendsforever’ (or simply ‘BFF’)

In response to a comment, Zoe’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Nelly, expressed that she misses him each day and posted her personal tribute online as well.

Nelly posted a picture of Billy on her Instagram Story and wrote: ‘8 years’.

Zoe got encouraging comments from her friends, among them TV host Gabby Roslin who posted a white heart below her message.

Other comments said ‘big love’ and ‘much love’ as friends sent well wishes to the star.

Previous year, on that special day, Zoe posted a selfie of Billy accompanied by the caption: ‘7 years. Smooches to the heavens.’

During a heartfelt conversation on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in February 2020, Zoe openly discussed Billy’s passing and the deep sorrow she experienced when he chose to end his life.

In a conversation, Zoe talked about the challenges the camera operator faced regarding mental health, and she shared that Billy had dealt with depression for the majority of his existence.

In an open conversation with host Lauren Laverne on Discs, she confessed that witnessing his battles with mental health issues was heart-wrenching. She also emphasized the importance of seeking help for those facing similar struggles.

Zoe expressed her feelings by saying, “It feels incredibly lonely and disconnected when you’re stuck inside your own thoughts, doubting yourself, which makes you question everything you’ve learned before. It even leads to doubts about whether your family truly loves you or if your friends genuinely care for you.

But she insisted there is always help available and that ‘it’s important to share there is hope.’

I can’t forget the incredible soul I adore; a man overflowing with love, always ready to lend a helping hand. It’s crucial we remember him not just for his departure from this world, but for the vibrant, impactful life he led.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, allow me to share a personal sentiment: The soulful melody of “Do I Love You” by Frank Wilson will forever be etched in my memory, a song dedicated to Billy. He had an infectious love for dancing and laughter that brightened every room he entered. His presence enriched my life in countless ways.

She added: ‘ I wanted to play a piece of music for him that reflected him as a human.’

Last year, as well, the radio host spoke about her mourning, coinciding with the heartbreaking two-year remembrance of Billy passing away.

On her Radio 2 program, she openly acknowledged that the painful anniversary day leaves her feeling unsteady on her feet and deeply affected, much like a wounded heart, while urging her listeners facing similar struggles to seek support and assistance.

In a heartfelt radio address, Zoe mentioned that it will mark exactly two years since we lost our beloved Billy Yates tomorrow.

For those who’ve experienced the loss of a cherished friend or relative, you may recognize how anniversaries can cause your legs to tremble and your emotions to ache deeply.

Day after day, their absence is deeply felt, not only on special occasions. As time goes by, the longing for their presence and their unique voice in your life intensifies. Yet, rest assured, their memory will forever reside within you.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I find that special anniversaries offer a wonderful opportunity for self-reflection. They provide a chance to pause, reminisce, and contemplate the memories and lessons they’ve brought into our lives.

I’m planning on spreading some heartfelt affection to his beloved family this very day and throughout the entire weekend, as well as to his outstanding friends, those buddies of Yates whom we adore dearly.

I simply wanted to extend my thoughts and an additional measure of affection to anyone currently facing difficulties, whether dealing with mental health issues, a sick family member, or simply experiencing a challenging period in life.

Life can be incredibly challenging for a variety of reasons. If you’re dealing with mental health issues, try to find the courage within yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek support from your loved ones when you need it.

They are extremely devoted to you, and making such a commitment isn’t simple. Keep in mind that you aren’t facing this journey alone; cherish the people you care about and hold dear your special moments.”

This version aims to convey the same message as the original, but with a more natural and easy-to-read style. It also simplifies some of the language choices used in the original quote, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

For quite some time, Zoe and Billy had a close friendship. After Zoe separated from DJ Norman ‘Fatboy Slim’, known as DJ Norman Cook, in 2016, they started dating. The first pictures of them together were published in February 2017.

From 1999 until 2016, the duo who served as both presenter and DJ were in a marital relationship. They have two offspring together, their eldest son named Woody, aged 24, and a daughter called Nelly.

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2025-05-05 10:41

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