Saira Khan said she was severely depressed on The Apprentice as the Loose Women discussed the tragic suicide of Mike Thalassitis.
The 48-year-old panellist, who appeared on the BBC show in 2005, admitted that she faced her own struggles coming off a reality television show, as Love Island stars called for better mental care from bosses once they’ve left the villa.
Speaking on the ITV lunchtime show, the Dancing On Ice contestant opened up about her depression following her appearance on The Apprentice – and revealed that she struggled with the fame and nasty comments that came with it.
Saira explained that people passed judgementswhich made her feel very low and told the ladies that she was ‘depressed for a very long time’.
‘I came into this business from a reality show and I was an ordinary person,’ Saira said. ‘I was in my thirties. So you go from an ordinary life and then you’re put onto TV and what people see is an edited version of you.
‘They don’t know anything about you apart from what they see on TV.’
She added on Monday’s episode: ‘People felt like the owned me.’
‘You do go into a negative spiral. The only reason I got out of it was because I had a very supportive husband.’
Before the show went into its ad break, Saira pleaded with viewers at home, especially men, to look after their mental health.
‘Please, if you’re a young man out there please seek help,’ she urged.
Her comments come after Love Island’s Jack Fowler and I’m A Celeb’s Jake Quickenden both pointed out that the rise to sudden fame has a ‘negative’ side.
Jack insisted that ‘prevention is better than cure’ while Jake spoke on Jeremy Vine show today, saying that ‘social media can make anyone down, no matter how strong you are.’
Reacting to the backlash which followed the news that Mike’s body had been found in a North London park at the weekend, ITV have since told Metro.co.uk: ‘Care for our Islanders is a process the show takes very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show.
‘We ensure that all of our Contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show.
‘The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate.’
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV at 12.30pm.
Need support? Contact the Samaritans
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
MORE: Sophie Gradon’s parents insist she did not die by suicide as inquest is delayed
MORE: Inside Megan McKenna and Mike Thalassitis split as she appears on Celebs Go Dating