Zoe Ball posts emotional tribute to late Radio 1 colleague Simon Willis

Zoe Ball has led tributes to a much-loved Radio 1 producer, Simon Willis, who died on Tuesday night.

Simon had been battling cancer for three years, tragically succumbing to the disease aged 50.

Zoe, 50, took to social media to post an emotional tribute to Simon, whom she worked with at Radio 1 from 1998.

Alongside photos of them together, she penned: ‘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 and a total joy to work with and 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. The best of the best Baby [sic]’

Zoe was the first ever woman to host the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, with Simon instrumental in it. 

Colleague Scott Mills wrote underneath the post: ‘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 wrote a similar tribute to Simon, posting: ‘We woke to the news that we have lost our beloved Willy aka Simon Willis and today our family is bereft.

You could say there were three of us in our marriage. And it was the perfect recipe. Me. My husband Steve and Willy. He was my Doctor Who husband, we both loved musical theatre with a passion and together we were complete radio geeks.

‘Steve and Willy were like Morecambe and Wise except I was never sure which was which. I suspect they were both Eric. Their love for each other was plain for all to see and I have never seen two friends laugh together more than them.

‘Willy was The Godfather to all our children and they completely and utterly adored him. We were blessed to have spent many many precious moments with him throughout our lives together and in the recent months and weeks when he was poorly.

‘He celebrated his 30th/40th and 50th birthday at our home and we had a ridiculous amount of fun. I never did met anyone who knew Nik Kershaw’s back catalogue like Willy.

‘Willy was a one-off. The funniest man you could ever meet and anyone who knew him will have their own favourite story to tell about ‘What Willy did…’ Godammit Willy… what are we going to do without you??’