Gogglebox star Chris Ashby-Steed has revealed that he felt suicidal after falling out with co-star Stephen Webb and quitting the show.
Chris announced that he was leaving the series last February after a five year run, and was later replaced by ex-boyfriend Stephen’s mum Pat.
It had remained under wraps that the duo had fallen out after a number of arguments, including a joint television project falling through, which according to Chris left him so distraught he considered taking his own life.
Speaking to The Mirror, Chris opened up: ‘There have been times where I’ve felt so low that I think, “How can I kill myself?”
‘Originally Stephen and I decided we were going to break away from Gogglebox together. We had a production company that was interested in taking us on. They wanted to get us out there as a brand.
‘But Stephen decided to copy me in to an email to the studio saying he was going to terminate our joint venture. After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it.’
Chris, 42, was keen to put on a united front though, continuing: ‘Then the studio called and said they would like to offer us the position back on Gogglebox.
‘I spoke to Stephen and his attitude was “I’m not sure I can put up with you every other week filming.” Which was a bit of a blow.
‘I turned around to him and said, “I get the impression that I think a lot more of you than you do of me.” His reply was, “Yeah, you’re probably right.”‘
‘I brushed it off for the show. We had a responsibility to get that show out and have a laugh so that’s what I did.’
According to the reality star, Gogglebox producers had agreed for them both to continue the show with new partners, however Chris was later told, after he suggested someone, that it wasn’t going to work out.
Chris says he’s been depressed since leaving Gogglebox and has been seeing a counsellor every week.
‘Chris has not contacted us since he made the decision to leave the show. The duty of care of the Gogglebox contributors is of paramount importance,’ a Gogglebox spokesperson told the publication.
Metro.co.uk have contacted Stephen for comment.
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