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Zoe Ball reveals what’s helping her through grief of losing boyfriend Billy Yates

The presenter's partner took his own life last month

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Zoe Ball has found a way to cope with the loss of her ex-boyfriend Billy Yates.

The BBC radio presenter shared an image to her 79,000 followers of her garden.

She said that gardening brings her “joy” and it’s “healing” for her.

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She wrote alongside four images of her flowers: “My little garden bringing me such joy #healing #eternityrose from Em 🌹random #poppy in the #lavendermemories of Goa #marigolds Billys #peas& #strawberries ❤️ #sweetpeas #roses#pinks #honeysuckle #petunias #butterflies#bees #birds #sunshine #magic #garden#secretgarden”

Her followers inundated her with well wishes.

“Sending positive thoughts”, said one.

Another said: “Garden therapy…nothing like it. Got me through some very tough times and continues to be my time out…..just a little watering yet gives so much in return. I hope you continue to find peace in your garden for many years to come….xx”

Last month, Zoe laid Billy to rest, and shared an image of him on the beach, writing: “Goodnight my beautiful Boy. I’ll be loving you always…”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUazra4FBBC/?taken-by=zeebeezoobee

At the start of the month, Zoe returned to work and thanked her fans for their support as she returned to host her radio show for the first time since his death.

As she returned to the airwaves, Zoe said she was glad to be back but told her listeners she was “a little wobbly of knee”, before playing a song as a tribute to Yates.

She had been absent from her weekly BBC Radio 2 show since cameraman Yates’ death in May at the age of 40.

Zoe said: “Hello everyone, so glad to be back here at Radio 2, if a little wobbly of knee, so bear with me today, as most of you will know, I’ve been away for the past four weeks.

“It’s been a bit of a tough time having lost my dear, dear boyfriend Billy, but I’d really like to thank the ever-gorgeous ladies Kate Thornton, Suzi Perry and Melanie C for holding the fort so brilliantly whilst I was away, and everyone at the BBC and all my friends at Radio 2 for their support.”

She added: “Billy’s dear family, his brilliant friends, my family and I would like to thank you, the listeners, for all your kind thoughts and for reaching out with love, especially many of you who’ve experienced your own loss and grief in similar circumstances.

“Your messages have meant the world to us all, and so I send you love from the bottom of my heart.”

Zoe, who had been in a relationship with Yates for several months, said: “Billy was a truly special chap, and the things he loved to do, he loved to make everybody laugh, he loved to love and he loved to dance.”

Before playing soul song Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) by Frank Wilson, she added: “So Billy Will Yates-face, this is for you angel.”

The mum-of-two is currently in the fields of Glastonbury with her family and friends.

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Back to the fields we go @glastofest #glastonblurry #countdown #magic #haydays

A post shared by Zoe Ball (@zeebeezoobee) on


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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