Billy Yates dead: Zoe Ball wants to tell grieving boyfriend's parents 'how much she loved their son'

Zoe Ball will reach out to her grieving boyfriend's parents when the time is right and tell them "how much she loved their son", according to reports.

The Radio 2 DJ has been left devastated after her cameraman boyfriend Billy Yates was found dead at his South London home on Thursday (4 May). He was 40 years old.

"When the time is right, Zoe is keen to tell Billy's parents how much she loved their son, and will miss him," a source told The Sun.

"He was clearly far more troubled than anyone knew, but they had many happier times together and his support was invaluable to her."

"She wants to share those memories with them, and she hopes it will help both them as they try to come to terms with what happened."

The 46-year-old television and radio personality did not appear on her afternoon BBC Radio 2 show following the tragic death of her boyfriend, who worked as cameraman for BBC's Antiques Roadshow.

Television presenter and DJ Kate Thornton replaced Zoe on the Zoe Ball show on Saturday (6 May).

"Sadly our lovely Zoe Ball can't be here today. Before we get started can I just say 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. We are sending you the biggest of hugs," Thornton said at the start of the show.

BBC has said that Suzi Perry will stand in for Zoe on the show on 13 May.

Hours before Yates was found dead, Zoe had shared a Samaritans tweet that read, "If it really doesn't feel like the force is with you today, we're here and ready to listen".

Following the tragic death of Yates, Zoe's spokesman had said, "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."

The Samaritans provides a free support service for those who need to talk to someone in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Visit Samaritans.org or call 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visit this website to find a support phone number in your country.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please contact a free support service at Mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393 (charges apply).