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Zoe Ball left heartbroken after boyfriend is found dead

The star is said to be devastated over the tragic news

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Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host Zoe Ball has reportedly been left heartbroken after her boyfriend Billy Yates, 40, was found dead at his home last night.

The star found love with cameraman Billy after her split from ex-hubby of 18 years Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.

Friends have said Zoe, 46, is devastated over the awful news and his death came as a complete shock.

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A close friend of the presenter told The Sun: “Zoe is overcome with grief. She is completely and utterly devastated.

“Billy had made her happy again after the most horrendous year when her marriage broke down.

“This was completely out of the blue. She had no feeling that this was coming and is in total shock.”

The Metropolitan police have confirmed they’re not treating the 40-year old’s death as suspicious: “Police were called to a residential address in Putney, South London at 18.40 on Thursday 4th 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.”

Presenter Zoe has not yet spoken about the tragic news.

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The close friend also told The Sun: “She’s going to need a lot of time to grieve.

“This just feels so unfair because Zoe had finally found happiness with Billy and had so many exciting plans for their future.

“It’s devastating. There’s nothing else other than devastation today.”

The star paid ‘tribute’ to Billy by posting a photo of a flower on Instagram as she wrote: “My sweet love.”

Fans were quick to offer their condolences.

One wrote: “So sorry for your loss. Sending you much love.”

Another added: “So very sorry to hear the news Zoe, everyone will support you through this.”

At the start of this week the star spoke about spicing up her intimate life after splitting from her DJ husband.

Speaking to an audience in London she said: “I am menopausal. I am hot and hairy.

“It is like my last hoorah. Is it going to get better? Do I do HRT or do I have the funny tea supplement?”

“Have more sex? I have just left my marriage. OK that is a good tip. HRT and more sex, I will take that,” she added.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

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