Zoe Ball ‘heartbroken’ as she pays tribute to Radio 1 colleague Simon Willlis who has died

Zoe Ball has led tributes for a BBC Radio 1 co-star who has died. 

Remembering Simon Willis, who reportedly battled a lengthy illness, the Strictly: It Takes Two host shared several photos of fun memories she had with her colleague and the wider BBC Radio team. 

Announcing his death in the Instagram post, Zoe wrote: ‘Heartbroken to hear our dear friend Willy, Simon Willis from our Radio 1 Breakfast Show team, passed away last night. He’d been poorly for some time. 

‘He was the naughtiest, daftest dear chap, deliciously hilarious, the best raconteur & a total joy to work with & indeed play with. He took us on some wild wonderful adventures with the show, oh the tales. The Oscars, ski trips, the Euros, The Brits. Forever in our hearts Showbiz Willis.’ 

She added: ‘The best of the best Baby 💫💫.’ 

Reacting to the news, Radio 1 host Scott Mills commented: ‘So sad. A brilliant, hilarious, lovely man. I would not be at Radio 1 if it wasn’t for Simon. The very best.’ 

Jo Whiley also said: ‘Willy was a one-off. The funniest man you could ever meet & anyone who knew him would have their own story about ‘What Willy did…’ We adored him as did everyone who knew him.’ 

One of Zoe’s follower who knew Willis reacted to the news and commented: ‘I worked with Simon at Wise Buddah, I didn’t know…what a loss. Much love to his family.’ 

‘Sincere condolences Zoe. I remember Simon on Blue Peter x,’ another said. 

Recalling a particularly fond memory, one said: ‘He was the best!! Hilarious, Mischievous, Lovely. The only time he ever told me off was when we were all using your Breakfast Show tab in the Clipstone café (across the road) and it went from £15 a week to around £300!!!’

‘Such sad news today about Simon. I think everyone who knew him loved him ❤️,’ one follower added. 

Willis is believed to have worked with Zoe on Radio 1’s breakfast show for four years until 1998 and also helped launch the DJ’s Radio 2 show. 

Got a showbiz story? 

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Katie Price reveals divorce from Kieran Hayler has been finalised: ‘I’m so happy I’m free’

MORE : Piers Morgan has competition as Simon Cowell goes for lockdown stroll with another friend