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Zoe Ball tried to help ‘love of her life’ conquer his demons before he died

Support: Zoe Ball encouraged cameraman Billy Yates to arrange appointments with mental health specialists
Support: Zoe Ball encouraged cameraman Billy Yates to arrange appointments with mental health specialists

TV presenter Zoe Ball desperately tried to help “the love of her life” overcome his mental health “demons” in the months before he was found hanged, an inquest heard today.

Billy Yates, 40, died at his Putney apartment last May. Westminster coroner’s court today heard that the cameraman had contacted a mental health crisis line to say he had tried to take his life on two previous occasions.

Ball had also tried to help him conquer his “demons” by encouraging him to fix appointments with mental heath specialists.

A family statement read out by coroner’s officer Julia Kidd said: “William was known and loved by a great number of people and was a sweetheart to many.” His family spoke of Mr Yates and Ball’s “most beautiful relationship”, adding: “They were the love of each other’s life.” They said he had been a Royal Marine as a young man before he broke his leg and left the armed forces. He then forged a successful career in TV and got his breakthrough working on reality show Greece Uncovered. He also worked on the Antiques Roadshow.

In a statement read to the court, Brad Abbotts, a long-time friend of Mr Yates who found his body, said: “The day before he died I texted him and he texted back ‘I’m ok buddy what are you doing?’”

Dr Barbara Rooney, a consultant psychiatrist from the Priory clinic, spoke of how Ball had tried to help him.

She said that although Mr Yates had financial worries he and Ball had been getting on well. The couple had gone on holiday to Goa in January last year.

The court heard Mr Yates had been taking anti-depressants and had been attending AA meetings. Assistant Coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe recorded an open verdict because Mr Yates had been drinking prior to his death and his judgment may have been clouded.

For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org