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Danniella Westbrook Opens Up About Suffering Childhood Sexual Abuse

Danniella Westbrook broke down on Loose Women earlier today as she revealed that years of sexual abuse as a child left her “emotionally numb”.

The EastEnders actress has opened up about her dark childhood for Channel 5 series ‘Therapy’, and has now revealed that she was just seven years old when the abuse began.

Danniella worked as a model as a child and speaking on Loose Women she explained: “I worked in this industry a long time, it wasn’t the place it is today. Today we have rules and guidelines.

"Really what saved me was going to work for the BBC because they were proper.”

She also acknowledged that her long history of drug abuse was her way of coping with the horrific memories, sharing: “It went back to my abuse as a child and that was my way of coping.

"I never wanted to go there. I thought if I scratched the surface I would never work in this industry again.”

And the abuse understandably had an impact on other aspects of Danniella’s life, with the actress adding: “I was completely emotionally numb to all relationships.

"Even in my marriage I’ve never actually loved or felt anything. I was numb privately and publicly. It wasn’t until I met [boyfriend] George and I started this process…

"I feel love for my children but I’ve never felt love for a man that way. I was always paranoid about them staying at other people’s houses, other people bathing them as children… People always thought i was funny about it.”

Talking about her decision to only go public with the abuse now, Danniella said: “You don’t want to admit something because it looks like you’re blaming.

"I decided to stop being the keeper of people’s secrets - to anybody who is watching this and has been through something similar, it’s so surprising how many people get in touch, it’s okay to speak up.

"It not only helps you, it helps other people.”

We are so glad that Danniella is now getting the help and support that she needs.

If you have been affected by this article please call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (UK) 1850 60 90 90 (ROI) or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.