Following the shock death of her boyfriend Billy Yates on Thursday, it has been announced that Zoe Ball will not be presenting her Radio 2 show on Saturday. The BBC’s website revealed that the popular host will miss both this week and next Saturday’s show as she takes time to grieve the loss of her boyfriend. Kate Thornton is set to replace Zoe on Saturday’s Zoe Ball show, while Suzi Perry will stand in for the star on 13 May. News broke of Billy’s death on Friday lunchtime. The Antiques Roadshow cameraman sadly passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 40. Zoe’s spokesman released a statement, which read: "Zoe is devastated and requests that during this difficult time the media respect her privacy as well as the privacy of her friends and family."
On her Twitter page, Zoe, 46, retweeted a post by the Samaritans. It said: “If it really doesn’t feel like the force is with you today, we’re here and ready to listen.” One follower offered their condolences, writing: “So, so sorry for your loss. I can only hope you get the privacy and respect you deserve Zoe.” The presenter also paid a loving tribute to Billy on her Instagram page, posting a photograph of a pink flower, with the words: “My sweet love X.” One fan wrote: "So so sorry Zoe. One of the funniest guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. The world is a sadder place today. Love and hugs."
READ: Zoe Ball breaks Instagram silence following shock death of boyfriend
Zoe had been in a relationship with Billy following her separation from husband Norman Cook. Billy’s death is not being treated as suspicious. A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed in a statement: "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. The circumstances are not being treated as suspicious, and the coroner has been informed."