Kate Thornton has stepped in to cover for Zoe Ball on her Radio 2 show today and sent her a heartfelt message.
Zoe was left devastated yesterday when her boyfriend, cameraman Billy Yates, was found dead at his home, aged 40.
She usually presents her radio show on a Saturday at 3pm, but Kate was drafted in to cover for her.
Speaking to listeners of the show, Kate said: “Sadly, our lovely Zoe Ball can’t be here today.
“Before we get started, can I just say from everyone on the show and here at Radio 2, our thoughts are with Billy, his family and friends, and of course with you Zoe.
“Sending the biggest of hugs to Zo.”
Suzi Perry will cover for Zoe next weekend as the star continues to grieve for her boyfriend.
Read more: Family of Zoe Ball’s boyfriend reveal their heartbreak at his death
Antiques Roadshow cameraman Billy was found dead by a friend at his home in south-west London on Thursday evening.
Paramedics called to the scene were unable to revive him.
News broke of the 40-year-old’s tragic death yesterday lunchtime.
Hours earlier Strictly host Zoe had posted a picture of a single flower alongside the words “My Sweet Love” – now believed to be a tribute to her partner of six months.
In the hours before Billy’s death, mum-of-two Zoe had shared a link on Twitter encouraging people struggling with difficulties to get in touch with the Samaritans.
The Sun is reporting that Billy had faced battles with depression in the past.
Read more: Zoe Ball’s boyfriend found dead at his London home
He had been credited with helping Zoe put herself back together following the breakdown of her 18-year-marriage to DJ Fatboy Slim.
A source told the tabloid she is, naturally, devastated by this news.
“It’s been a total shock that seemed to come out of nowhere,” they said.
“Zoe is devastated, and is trying to get her head around it, but she’s very delicate.
“She’s had a terrible year, and it seemed she had finally got her head straight and everything was going well, she was in a really good place.
“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.”
In their statement yesterday, the Metropolitan police confirmed they’re not treating Billy’s death as suspicious.
A spokesman said: “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.”