The boyfriend of TV presenter Zoe Ball took his own life, it’s being reported.
Antiques Roadshow cameraman Billy Yates 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.
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.
Read more: Zoe Ball’s partner found dead at his home
“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.”
Just earlier this week, a seemingly joyful Zoe had spoken about spicing up her life following the spilt from Fatboy, AKA Norman Cook.
Read more: Why did Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim marriage end?
She told an audience in London: “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.”