Zoe Ball ‘abandons BBC’s new baking show finale’ as she grieves for boyfriend Billy Yates
ZÖE BALL has pulled out of filming for The Big Family Cooking Showdown following the death of lover Billy Yates, according to reports.
Zoe Ball has apparently pulled out of The Big Family Cooking Showdown
The presenter is believed to have told BBC bosses she would not be able to take part, just days after the Antiques Roadshow cameraman, 40, was found dead at his home from a suspected suicide.
The 46-year-old has been working alongside Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, 32, for the entire series, reportedly until the finale.
A source told The Sun: “Everyone understands Zoe’s predicament and there’s real sympathy for her.
“But her absence in the final is a blow for the debut series,” which also features judges Rosemary Shrager and Giorgio Locatelli.
Zoe Ball reportedly said she was unable to film the finale
Zoe Ball's boyfriend Billy Yates was found dead last week
Zoe Ball's absence in the final is a blow for The Big Family Cooking Showdown
The latest offering, dubbed the channel’s replacement for GBBO following its move to Channel 4, has been in production over the past few weeks.
It sees 16 families go head-to-head as they whip up their best recipes and is expected to air in the autumn.
The reports come after Zoe thanked fans for their well-wishes amid Billy’s passing, who she is thought to have been with for at least six months.
Zoe Ball's lover Billy Yates died in an apparent suicide
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Zoe Ball has thanked fans for their support
She has made no comment on how Billy lost his life, though she shared a Samaritans tweet on Twitter yesterday morning.
"If it really doesn't feel like the force is with you today, we're here and ready to listen #TalktoUs 116123 #MayTheFourthBeWithYou," the charity's post read.
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for Zoë Ball asking for comment.