‘I found it so therapeutic’: Zoe Ball reveals her love of gardening helped her mourn the death of boyfriend Billy Yates in 2017
Zoe Ball has revealed she found solace in her garden after boyfriend Billy Yates took his life in 2017.
The Radio 2 presenter, 49, said the walled garden at her Sussex home became her ‘little paradise’ after the death of cameraman Billy at the age of 40.
The couple had started dating after Zoe split up amicably from Norman Cook, otherwise known as Fatboy Slim, in 2016.
Green fingers: Zoe Ball has revealed her passion for gardening has helped her cope with both her grief and the menopause
She told BBC Gardeners’ World magazine: ‘When I lost my partner, lots of my loved-ones bought me roses to grow in his memory. He loved roses and I found the hours tending to these new plants so therapeutic.’
In January this year, Zoe revealed she had been ‘in shock for two years’ and also felt guilty after Billy was found dead in his flat in south London.
She believes that gardening helped her grieve and mourn as well as cope with the menopause.
Tragic: Billy Yates (right) killed himself in 2017 in his south London flat and Zoe said she felt guilty
She said: ‘The minute I step into my garden I properly take a deep breath and relax.
‘I find the garden so calming. Perfect for my over-busy brain and especially good for my menopause anxiety.’
Get yours: Zoe was interviewed by Gardeners’ World magazine
Zoe revealed her grandfather was also a keen gardener and she was intrigued by his topiary bushes from a young age.
It comes after the radio breakfast host revealed last week she had reunited with on-off beau Michael Reed.
The presenter and construction boss Michael were said to have gone their separate ways in November 2019, but had fuelled rumours of a reconciliation when they were spotted together in recent months.
Showing off her newly lightened tresses on Instagram, Zoe also shared photos of Michael applying the dye to her locks, with a loving caption.
She wrote: ‘#highlightsoftheweek my Curly Sues @michaelreed99 first attempt at highlights (only did front as was tad scared about leaving it in too long….)
‘swipe for the before…..didn’t he do well? #gunforhire #homehair #makedo #covidcuts #fringebenefits #hairbearbunch do I trust him with the fringe?’
Back on: Zoe confirmed she had reunited with on-off beau Michael Reed as he did her highlights for her in lockdown last week (pictured December 2018)
The split claims in November came shortly after broadcaster Zoe has shared an emotional Instagram snap of her late partner Billy to mark his birthday.
Radio presenter Zoe took to the social media platform with an image of the late cameraman lighting a fire lantern.
She added the caption: ‘Beautiful full moon for your birthday eve Billface. Your star still shines the brightest up there. Fly forever free. Always in this old ♥️ of mine.’
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Fresh: She wrote: ‘#highlightsoftheweek my Curly Sues @michaelreed99 first attempt at highlights (only did front as was tad scared about leaving it in too long…. )