It’s been a tough week for Zoe Ball, as the popular presenter attended the funeral of her godfather.
The funeral came exactly two years to the day that Radio 2 breakfast show host Zoe laid her boyfriend, BBC cameraman Billy Yates, to rest. He tragically took his own life following a battle with depression in May 2017.
Taking yesterday off work, BBC media editor Amol Rajan told listeners the star was absent for “personal reasons”.
Speaking when she returned to the airwaves this morning, Zoe revealed: “I went to my dear godfather’s funeral. It was his funeral in Blackpool.”
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She added: “He was the best goddad a girl would ask for.”
Zoe, who was previously married to DJ Fatboy Slim, started dating Billy in September 2013.
The host of Strictly Come Dancing spin off It Takes Two – whose father is veteran TV presenter Johnny Ball – is now dating construction boss Michael Reed after the pair met through a mutual friend.
Last year, less than a year after Billy’s death, Zoe took part in a gruelling challenge in his memory, raising money for Sport Relief and mental health awareness.
She cycled from Blackpool to Brighton as part of the Hardest Ride Home.
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Earlier this month, Zoe – who took over from Chris Evans as the host of the Radio 2 breakfast show in January – spoke about her grief ahead of the second anniversary of Billy’s passing.
She told her listeners the day made her “heart hurt” and “knees wobble”.
She said: “So tomorrow is going to be two years since our dear Billy Yates died.
“Anyone who has lost someone dear to them, be it a friend or family member, will know that anniversaries have a tendency to make your knees wobble and your heart hurt.”
She added: “With grief, it’s often an every day feeling – not just anniversaries.
“The longer the time without them, the more you miss their ways and their voice in your life. Even though of course they’ll never leave your heart.”
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