RADIO DJ Zoe Ball has paid a touching tribute to her former partner, on what would have been his birthday.

Ball, who lives in Ditchling, took to Instagram on Saturday to post a tribute to boyfriend Billy Yates - who took his own life in 2017.

The radio presenter posted a picture of Billy lighting a lantern on her social media page with 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 ♥️ [heart] of mine.”

Ball, 48, had been in a relationship with Yates when he was found dead at his home in London at the age of 40.

She had coupled with the cameraman following her 2016 split from arena DJ and fellow Sussex resident Norman Cook - better known as Fatboy Slim.

In 2018 Ball took on a gruelling 350 mile bike ride for charity, in Billy’s memory. She ended up raising more than half a million pounds for Sport Relief.

Since the death of her partner the Radio 2 presenter has been an advocate for mental health awareness.

Suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 45 in the United Kingdom.

The DJ has since said she hopes to give those struggling with mental illness “a way to find some hope”.

If you are struggling with mental health issues and want somebody to talk to, contact The Samaritans on 116 123.