Gogglebox fans have been busy showing support to Chris Ashby-Steed since he opened up about feeling suicidal after leaving the Channel 4 show.
The television personality bravely spoke out over the weekend, detailing that he allegedly quit the series after five years following a fall-out with co-star Stephen Webb, which he claims left him so distraught he considered taking his own life.
In the aftermath ofLove Island star Mike Thalassitis’ suicide, Chris tweeted: ‘My thoughts go out to the family of @MikeThalassitis.
‘Others are raising questions about reality aftercare. Totally agree. I’ve had none since being bullied off @C4Gogglebox & contemplated suicide last year.
‘I’m now realising it’s an industry-wide failing. This has got to change.’
Messages have been pouring in for the former Gogglebox star, with many thanking him for speaking out about his battles, with one writing: ‘Stay strong Chris you are much loved and missed.’
Chris told The Mirror that he’s been struggling with his mental health since leaving Gogglebox last year, explaining: ‘I’ve felt like a failure, I’ve been depressed, I struggle in social situations, I’m agoraphobic.
‘I’m worried about people coming up to me and asking why I left the show.
‘I felt I couldn’t tell the truth. I avoid going out now. I’ve been seeing a counsellor every week.’
Chris also revealed that his exit was triggered after he clashed with Stephen and after plans for a joint television venture crumbled.
‘We had a production company that was interested in taking us on,’ he said. ‘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.’
Stephen has declined to comment.
Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.
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MORE: Gogglebox’s Chris Ashby-Steed felt suicidal after clashing with co-star and leaving Channel 4 show