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Zoe Ball shares sweet tribute to late partner Billy on his birthday

The cameraman passed away earlier this year

Zoe Ball has shared a series of touching photos in tribute to her late boyfriend, Billy Yates.

The 40-year-old cameraman took his own life in May, leaving Zoe devastated.

To honour him on what would have been his 41st birthday, Zoe posted a picture of him with a long message.

She wrote alongside the picture: “Happy birthday Little Wonder, @billywahweewoo my dearest Babyface, my love, my Snoops, up there in the stars.

“Pictured here all a glow lighting a lantern in Goa for Ali McBossy also in the stars.

“I will be holding tight today to those who love your bones & miss your wondrous ways. We will climb your tower & eat Mr Fu’s Salt & Pepper Chicken wings & cry & hug & dance & laugh & do your bendy thumbs up & tell your tales & never ever stop loving you Billy William Biwwy Billface.”

She finished it off with a series of hashtags referring to mental health awareness and encouraging people to “keep talking.”

And it seemed she remained true to her word that she would spend the day with those who loved him, later posting another snap surrounded by all his friends.

Read more: Zoe Ball reveals she’s struggling after boyfriend’s death in heartbreaking dedication 

She wrote: “Celebrated you good bubs.”

Fans were full of praise for the Strictly It Takes Two presenter for staying strong and celebrating his life.

“Fantastic Zoe – I’m sure he would be really chuffed – you’re doing so amazingly well gorgeous lady,” wrote one.

Another added: “I am sure he was watching all of you with the biggest smile on his face. Well done to all of you brave lot for making sad times into happy one.”

“Sending lots of love and positive thoughts to you all …. keep strong loveliness…. it’s hard I know but you are doing amazing and we are all behind you.”

Zoe was left devastated in May when Billy took his own life. At the time, a source told The Sun: “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.”

It was recently reported that Zoe has been growing closer to her ex husband, Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.

He’s apparently been very supportive over the past three months helping Zoe to deal with Billy’s sudden death.

They were spotted together at a restaurant in London’s Mayfair, and were also seen together celebrating son Woody’s GCSE results.

Read more: Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim growing closer

“Zoe and Norman were spotted enjoying dinner with a small group of friends,” a source told The Sun.

“They looked to be getting on great and there was lots of laughter.”

“Despite their split they looked very happy to be in each other’s company.

“While they are just good friends, it’s an amazing achievement considering they have ended their marriage.

“It’s been a very difficult few months for Zoe but Norman has played a massive part in building back up her happiness levels.”


Carena Crawford
Associate Editor (Soaps)

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