Presenter Zoe Ball has shared a poignant birthday tribute to her former boyfriend Billy Yates, on what would have been his 41st birthday.
Taking to her Instagram, the star sent a sweet messages, sending Billy, who died last year, a happy birthday wish ‘up there’. She shared the message alongside a photo of Billy smiling.
She also emotionally said how his loved ones would ‘love your face for ever’ and ‘miss you more then ever’.
Zoe wrote, ‘Happy Birthday Bface one shining bright up there in the cosmos.
‘Hope you can see the shimmers of love that burn ever strong for you, from the daft beings dotted all over this planet down here, who’ll love your face forever & miss you more than ever. ✨✨✨✨ #mateswithyates ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨’.
Fans quickly flocked to the message to share their messages of support for Zoe.
One user wrote, ‘Thinking of you and all his family and friends ❤God Bless you Billy 🙏🏼’, while another fan said, ‘Thinking of you and sending love xxx’
Billy, a TV cameraman, was found dead in his London home in May 2017. It is thought that Billy took his own life.
Zoe and Billy had been dating for some months at the time of his death, although their relationship was officially confirmed in February of last year when the pair were photographed out and about together.
Since his passing, Zoe has spoken openly about her former beau’s depression, and opened up about the feelings of guilt she has about how he died.
Speaking to Radio Times, he said, “Even now I sometimes think, ‘I’m a resourceful woman, I’m a bright woman…why could I not save him?’
“And then I have to stop and say, ‘Everyone who loved him knew. None of us found an answer, none of us saved him’.”
She continued, “To move forward you have to accept that. Which is very difficult.”’
The radio host even completed a 350-mile cycle route over five days, to raise money for mental health projects across the country.
It’s thought that Zoe has now been able to find happiness again with a new beau, Michael Reed – who works in construction.