Zoe Ball’s boyfriend was put under "enormous pressure" before his death last week.
Billy Yates – who had been dating the presenter for several months – was found hanged at his home in south London on Thursday (04.05.17) evening and, although it came as a huge shock to those closest to him, it’s thought falling victim to convicted fraudster Christopher Lunn – who was jailed for five years in 2016 – who acted as his accountant and left him and many of his other clients with an unexpected tax bill contributed to his depressive state before he took his own life a few days ago.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Billy suffered from depression but the strain of being left with an unexpected tax bill hit him hard.
"These sorts of things are a considerable concern for anyone — but it’s particularly tough when someone already has mental health issues to overcome. Fortunately he had a supportive network of family and friends around him."
It’s believed the financial stress added to the ‘Antique Roadshow’ cameraman’s stress but it’s not yet known what actually pushed him to take his own life last week.
The tragic news has understandably hit Zoe hard and she pulled out of hosting her live BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday (06.05.17) afternoon to grieve in private.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two’ presenter was replaced by Kate Thornton, who opened the show by saying she was sending Zoe "the biggest hugs."
Kate, 44, said: "Sadly our lovely Zoe Ball can’t be here today. From everyone on the show and here at Radio 2, our thoughts are with Billy, his family and friends, and of course with you Zoe."
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to a residential address in Putney, South London at 18.40 and, although he was already dead when they arrived, they are not treating the circumstances as "suspicious."
The statement said: "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."
Zoe’s relationship with Billy came shortly after she split from her husband Norman Cook – also known as Fatboy Slim – after she was spotted smooching 23-year-old boyband singer Tay Tay Starhz in a London nightclub.
Zoe Ball’s boyfriend was under ‘enormous pressure’ before death
