I'm a Celebrity's Oti Mabuse opens up about her brother's tragic death

im a celebrity star oti mabuse sat next to campmate tulisa contostavlos
Oti Mabuse opens up about brother's tragic deathITV

This article contains discussion of suicide that some readers might find distressing.

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'s Oti Mabuse has opened up about her brother's tragic death in the latest episode.

Tonight's (November 20) instalment featured the campmates talking about male mental health after McFly's Danny Jones opened up about his anxiety and how he has been in therapy since he was 19 years old.

That promoted Strictly Come Dancing pro turned Dancing on Ice judge Oti to talk about her brother Neo, who died by suicide when he was 16 years old.

im a celebrity, oti mabuse
ITV

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"I think it's really good that you keep saying people must talk, especially young boys," she said. "I don't think young boys tend to talk that much, and the suicide rate is so high in young men especially, so I think it's important that you keep telling people to talk about it.

"I had a brother who committed suicide when he was 16, and I think if he had spoken to someone about what he was feeling, it would have been a different turnout."

im a celebrity star oti mabuse sat next to campmate tulisa contostavlos
ITV

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"Especially in our culture, we don't really open up as young Black children," she continued as she started to tear up.

"My siblings were 10 years old, and every year we celebrate his birthday, but it's the people that are still left with the aftermath that feel it every single day and you have to go out in the world and be strong and happy and bubbly and positive, but it's tough.

"So if you don't talk about it, no matter how frustrating it is, and if you don’t get those feelings out, if you don't seek the help, it's hurtful for you, but as well as the people around you that love you."

As her campmates comforted her, Tulisa called Oti's positive energy her "superpower".

I'm a Celebrity… airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

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We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.

Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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