Zoe Ball remembers boyfriend Billy Yates on third anniversary of tragic death

Zoe Ball has paid a beautiful tribute to her late boyfriend three years after his tragic death.

The BBC Radio 2 breakfast show presenter took to Instagram to share a picture of her former love Billy Yates, who was found dead at his London flat on this date in 2017.

Zoe, 49, shared a lovely picture of Billy sitting on the beach.

She wrote: "Billy 3 years⁣

"Your love lives on in the hearts of all your dear ones angel. Always the rainbow coming around the bend.⁣

"Power, strength & love for those in need of love today"

Zoe's fans and famous friends offered their support.

Davina McCall commented: "Hugs love to you and his friends and family x xxxx"

While Gabby Roslin wrote: "Sending love sweet Zoe"

And Matt Baker posted: "Sending lots of love Zoe X"

Zoe dated Billy after her amicable split from husband Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, in 2016.

Billy's death left her "in shock for two years", and she admitted feeling guilty after he was found dead at age 40.

It's three years since he died (Internet Unknown)

She opened up about the tragedy in February, saying that Billy's suicide had been the hardest thing she'd ever had to deal with.

The It Takes Two host said on Desert Island Discs: "He’d lived with depression for a huge chunk of his life.

"It’s so hard to sit and watch someone you love and care for struggle with mental health.

"Losing him was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with in my life."

Zoe says his death was the hardest thing she's had to deal with (PA)

She added: "I think something that’s really important to share… is that there is hope. There is help available, there are ways, we’re still learning.

"For some people, the drugs work. For some people that isn’t the case.

"But 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."

Insisting Billy should be remembered for his life rather than his death, she said: "He was so full of love. He’d help anyone in need. He was always there for all his friends."

* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org