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Zoe Ball shares touching tribute to late partner Billy Yates

Billy passed away earlier this month at 40

TV presenter Zoe Ball has shared an emotional tribute to her late partner Billy Yates, who took his life earlier this month.

The star recently broke her silence following his tragic death and now she has shared a photo showing Billy smiling on holiday on her Instagram.

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Alongside the snap Zoe, 46, wrote: “Goodnight my beautiful Boy. I’ll be loving you always.”

Fans rushed to give their support for the star as one said: “So deeply sorry for your loss.”

“My heart breaks for you. Take your time to grieve. Sending you thoughts and prayers,” another added.

A third commented: “Such a beautiful picture to put up, laying in peace. So so very sorry for your loss, be strong and brave.”

This comes shortly after a rep for Zoe told Mail Online: “The funeral of Billy Yates was yesterday [May 22] attended by family and close friends.”

The star recently opened up about her devastation following his death.

Her management team released a statement saying: “On behalf of Zoe Ball, we would like to thank everyone for the kind messages and support during a very difficult time.”

The Strictly star also broke her Twitter silence as she replied to fans giving their support.

One fan wrote: “@ZoeTheBall my heart goes out to you. You must be sad, bewildered and wondering what the point is. Sending you strength x.”

To which Zoe replied: “Pretty much spot on. Thank you for your kindness. Means so very much. Love xxx.”

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Following Billy’s death Zoe pulled out of filming the final of her BBC baking show, The Big Family Cooking Showdown.

The final episode will go on without her, as she grieves in private for her partner.

A source told The Sun: “Everyone understands Zoe’s predicament and there’s real sympathy for her. But her absence in the final is a blow for the debut series.”

The cooking show, which is set to air later this year, will see 16 families cooking their best recipes.

Previously speaking about her latest stint Zoe said: “It’s time to celebrate passionate foodie families all over the country and this series will show us home cooking at its best, even if it’s using old pans and mismatched crockery.

“We’re meeting 16 very different families over the course of the show and witnessing their team dynamics.

“I’m not the world’s best cook as my kids will vouch but I’m learning so much from these families.

“New recipes, top tips and some definite dos and don’ts, I can’t wait to share this joyous celebration of family and cooking with everybody.”


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

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