Zoe Ball has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late partner Billy Yates as she marks seven years since his death.
The radio host, 53, posted the post on Instagram just a week after confirming the tragic death of her mother Julia Peckham from pancreatic cancer at age 79.
Cameraman Billy sadly took his own life in May 2017 after a long battle with depression, and Zoe revealed she had been ‘in shock for two years’ after loss.
Alongside a photo of Billy, Zoe wrote: “7 years, kisses in heaven.”
Fans and celebrity friends sent messages of support in the comments, including Zoe’s Radio 2 substitute Gaby Roslin, who said: “Hugs and love always Zoe.”
Zoe Ball, 53, paid a heartfelt tribute to her late partner Billy Yates as she marked seven years since his death.
Alongside a photo of Billy, Zoe wrote: ‘7 years kisses in heaven’
While others wrote: ‘Everyone loves Zoe’: ‘Thinking of you sweet Zoe’: ‘Love you and her family’: ‘Thinking of you Zoe’. When you love a lot, the pain is hard. Lovely picture’: ‘Oh Zoe, you’ve been through so much, we’ve got you, you’ve got this.’
Last week, Zoe told her fans she was “heartbroken” following the death of her “dear mum” Julia.
The BBC Radio 2 star announced in early March that her mother had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and she was being “incredibly brave.”
He then told his BBC Radio 2 listeners that Julia had been transferred to a hospice, while she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to the paramedics who helped her.
Just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother’s passing on Instagram. In a tribute, she said: “Sleep well, dear Mum.”
‘Thank you for teaching us to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy. And how, even on the darkest days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.
He continued: ‘We are heartbroken without you, but we will hold each other very tightly. Your grace and your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light up the stars to guide us.’
After announcing her mother’s illness last month, Gaby Roslin ‘occasionally’ stepped in to replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so the couple could spend time together.
The radio host posted the post on Instagram just a week after confirming the tragic death of her mother Julia Peckham from pancreatic cancer at age 79 (Zoe and Billy pictured together).
Fans and celebrity friends sent messages of support in the comments, including Zoe’s Radio 2 substitute Gaby Roslin, who said: “Hugs and love always Zoe.”
Zoe shared the heartbreaking news last week that Julia was being transferred to hospice and told listeners that things were ‘It’s a pretty tough time for the family.
She said: “Things are so difficult for my mum right now, just sending so much love.” I love you mama.’
The broadcaster’s son, Woody Cook, whom she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook, better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram.
“Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman,” the 23-year-old said, sharing a younger photo with his grandmother.
Woody, who appeared on the Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother’s late husband, Rick Peckham.
He said: ‘The only person who always sent me a Valentine’s card. I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug for me.
Zoe announced the death of her ‘dear mum’ Julia (pictured) in an Instagram post last week.
In the tribute posted to Instagram (pictured), Zoe told her fans that she is “bereft.”
The presenter said she and her family were going through “difficult times” amid her mother’s (pictured) diagnosis but praised her for being “brave”.
Woody also referenced his grandmother’s late husband, Rick Peckham, who died in 2013, adding: “I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug for me.”
‘I know he said once, when you were panicking in a helicopter over the jungle: ‘If you get lost, follow the river!’ You will find it at the end.
Zoe revealed her mother’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis on March 6, while telling her fans on social media that she would be taking time off her BBC show to focus on her family, who were going through “difficult times.” “, but added that his mother was being extremely ‘brave.’
Despite her mother’s diagnosis, Zoe remained positive, telling her fans at the time that she was “in awe” of the nurses and doctors in charge of her care.
Posting a photo of Julia surrounded by her family last month, as well as a second of her receiving chemotherapy in hospital, she wrote: ‘It is heartbreaking that our beautiful mother Julia has been diagnosed with cancer.
‘As many of you know from experience, these are extremely difficult times. Mom is being incredibly brave.
‘My brother Jamie and I are completely amazed by the brilliant doctors, nurses and support teams who care for mum. Thank you.
‘Thank you to our families, relatives and friends at home and at work for their support at this time.
‘Sending love to people reading this who are fighting cancer or awaiting a diagnosis, and also to people caring for loved ones who are unwell.’