Zoe Ball is a famous and rich actress. But, as it turned out, his main source of wealth has nothing to do with cinema.
The 40-year-old TV cameraman was found dead after struggling with depression and financial problems
ZOE Ball's boyfriend was found dead after she raised the alarm with police, it has been claimed.
The TV star and radio presenter became concerned when Billy Yates did not answer her calls, before he was found dead at his flat in Putney, south west London.
A source told The Sunday Mirror: “Zoe had been trying to contact Billy. They were very close and it wasn’t like him to not take her calls.
"That’s when she raised the alarm to his friend who went round to check – and found him. She and all of his friends are devastated.”
The 46-year-old is taking a break from her Radio 2 Saturday show and has cancelled filming for a BBC programme following the death of her lover.
Zoe Ball is a famous and rich actress. But, as it turned out, his main source of wealth has nothing to do with cinema.
TV cameraman Billy was found dead after struggling with depression and financial problems.
The pair had been dating for six months following Zoe’s split from Norman Cook, aka DJ Fatboy Slim, her husband of 18 years.
After his death the star posted an image of a flower on Instagram earlier today with the caption: “My sweet love X.”
Zoe told BBC bosses she would not be able to take part in the final episode of the series The Big Family Cooking Showdown, alongside Bake Off champ Nadiya Hussain.
A source said: “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.”
Of Billy's death a close friend said: “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.
Earlier in the week before Billy's death, Strictly Come Dancing spin-off host Zoe gushed about the romance, which came after the breakdown of her 18 year relationship with Norman Cook.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123 or 020 7734 2800.