Zoe Ball flooded with support in heartbreaking tribute after boyfriend's tragic death

shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late boyfriend eight years after his death. The former breakfast show host, 54, took time away from her Saturday afternoon radio show when her partner, Billy Yates, died aged 40 in May 2017. A former camera man, Billy, tragically took his own life after battling depression. Following Billy's death, Zoe revealed she had been "in shock for two years".

The presenter uploaded a heartwarming photo of her former beau to Instagram on Sunday and shared a snap of her late boyfriend on a motorbike surrounded by the stunning countryside. The mum-of-two was flooded with messages of support as the heartbreaking post racked up over 10,000 likes.

"8 years forever in our hearts Billface #mateswithyates," she wrote alongside a rose, sparkling lights and a heart emoji.

Celebrity pals and fans alike flocked to the comment section as Gaby Roslin shared a heart emoji.

Kate Thornton penned: "Big love Zo x."

Zoe's daughter, Nelly, who she shares with Fatboy Slim penned: "Miss him everyday x," to which Zoe replied: "Love you squirrel."

Meanwhile, one of Zoe's friends commented: "How is it 8 years Zoe, funny I was talking to Max about him this morning. Sending you all the love today." With the star replying: "Oh Lucy. His love lives on in us all eh. squeezes for you and Max."

Last year, the BBC broadcaster opened up about her loss during an interview with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs.

She told Lauren: "I think it's so isolating to be trapped in your mind like that, when you doubt yourself, you doubt everything you've ever known. You doubt your family love you. You doubt your friends care for you."

Zoe went on to add that it was "important to share there is hope."

Describing Billy, she explained he "was so full of love and would help anyone in need" and insisted he should be "remembered for his life, not his death." She later revealed she was dedicating the song Do I Love You by Frank Wilson to Billy.

"This track will always remind me of him," she explained, adding: "He loved to dance and loved to laugh and he brought so much into my life. I wanted to play a piece of music for him that reflected him as a human."

Two years after Billy's death, Zoe told listeners that his anniversary would make her "knees wobble and your heart hurts".

If you or anyone you know has been affected by this story please contact the on 116 123 or