Yahoo News Gogglebox star Chris Ashby-Steed claims he didn't receive enough support after leaving
Former Gogglebox star Chris Ashby-Steed has claimed that he wasn't given enough support by the show after leaving last year.
The hairdresser opened up about the issue of reality show aftercare in the wake of the death of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, alleging that the Channel 4 show didn't do enough to ensure his wellbeing following his departure.
Ashby-Steed told Victoria Derbyshire today (March 20) of his experiences after leaving: "It makes you feel like a failure, because I think when people go onto these shows they think it's going to be paved in gold for them.
"They think all these opportunities are going to be chucked at them out there and they can pick and choose what they want. That is just so for some of it – but unfortunately there's always going to be someone younger, prettier, someone a lot better looking and a lot more charismatic than you and you'll be replaced."
Recalling joining the show, he continued: "With my situation, nothing ever prepared me for how big Gogglebox would be. When I was first found for it I was told, 'This is a pilot, it probably won't go anywhere – be prepared'. So I was like, 'OK, fine'.
"Then it was Channel 4s biggest programme for four to five years – that says something. I went from being unknown to being on the biggest show on Channel 4."
He added: "Nothing prepares you for it. Some social media training would be great. Again we didn't know how big the show was going to be, so unfortunately I suppose they weren't prepared for it.
"Love Island is one of the biggest shows on ITV, they know they're going to get these viewings, they need to prepare people as overnight they become TV stars."
Gogglebox previously said that Ashby-Steed had "not contacted" the show since he left, with Ashby-Steed responding: "I did approach them... to the actual studio. I told them how I felt I was treated. None of it was noted. [They told me] 'You need to sort it out yourself.'"
A spokesperson for Gogglebox told Digital Spy in response to his latest claim: "Chris has not contacted us since he made the decision to leave the show.
"Duty of care is of paramount importance and psychological support is available to all Gogglebox contributors before, during and after appearing on the show should they wish to take this up."
Chris added of his life "regressing back to a normal person": "I felt I gave the best of myself for five years and I was left with scraps at the end of it. I had no energy. I was tired. I would've liked support."
Turning to the subject of the death of Thalassitis, Ashby-Steed said: "I think it's absolutely tragic. I'm the sort of person that would look at someone like him and think he's got it all – the looks, he's young, he's got his whole life ahead of him.
"It's tragic. This is a man's life that's now gone, and for what? People need to have the training. Their lives will change maybe for a short time, but it's going to change overnight."
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
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