Grieving Zoe Ball pays tribute to late partner Billy Yates seven years after his tragic death – days after mum’s passing
ZOE Ball emotionally paid tribute to her late partner Billy Yates on Saturday, seven years after his tragic death.
Presenter Zoe, 53, who is currently grieving the passing of her mum, took to Instagram with a selfie of the late cameraman.
In her caption, she wrote: “7 years. Kisses in the sky x.”
The radio star was supported by her friends including Stacey Dooley, Fearne Cotton and Natalie Cassidy, who posted hearts in the comments section.
Zoe was left devastated after Billy passed away in May 2017.
The Sun revealed the tragic news that Billy had been found dead at his home in Putney, South London after taking his own life.
At the time, a source close to Billy claimed he had been suffering from depression.
They also said he was left stressed when he received an “unexpected tax bill” after using convicted accountant Christopher Lunn.
Lunn was jailed for five years in 2016 — leaving many clients with huge bills.
It was just two weeks ago that Zoe announced the death of her mother, Julia Peckham.
The Radio 2 presenter had previously taken time away from her Breakfast show to care for her mum following her cancer diagnosis.
She posted a message in tribute on social media, telling followers of her death from pancreatic cancer.
She shared a photo of Julia with the caption: “Sleep tight dear Mama.
“Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.
“We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.”
Zoe’s son Woody Cook added: “Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman.
“The only person who always sent me a Valentine’s card.”
In March 2024, Zoe announced Julia’s cancer diagnosis in an Instagram post.
She told fans: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer.
“As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.
“My brother Jamie and I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses and support teams looking after Mum.
“Thank you. Gratitude to our families and our extended family and friends at home and at work for their support at this time.”
Zoe then revealed that she would be taking some time out of her job to support her mum through her diagnosis.
On April 17, 2024, Zoe confirmed her beloved mum had been moved into a hospice following her return to her Breakfast show.
She dedicated a Bon Jovi song to the paramedics who had taken care of Julia.
She explained on-air: “Mum’s in hospice now, pretty tough at the moment for the family.
“I just want to say thank you to John, Scarlett and Charlie, both Charlies, actually, and Sophie and Laura who are really looking after mum.
“Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. Love you Mum.”
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer may not have any symptoms, or they might be hard to spot.
- The whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (jaundice), and you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
- Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- Feeling tired or having no energy
- A high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery
- Feeling or being sick
- Diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your poo
- Pain at the top part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you’re eating or lying down and better when you lean forward
- Symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated
Source: NHS