Jake Quickenden reveals he turned to booze after his dad and his brother died of bone cancer
JAKE Quickenden revealed he turned to alcohol to deal with the tragic death of his dad and brother.
The Dancing On Ice star lost both his brother, Oliver, 19, and father, Paul to bone cancer within the space of four years – and struggled to handle his grief.
Speaking about that period of his life, Jake told the : “I was drinking on my own to numb myself to the feelings. I should have opened up a lot sooner.”
Oliver died just days after Jake’s first X Factor audition aired in 2012, while his dad Paul, 52, died just four years before.
Since then Jake has enjoyed a successful career in the public eye, and is engaged to marry Danielle Fogarty.
He believes his dad and brother would have more than approved of his future wife.
“They would love Danielle. But I’m a firm believer they are with me every day,” he said.
“We have two massive pictures of my dad and brother, and they’ll be there at the wedding. And we will do special drinks that they liked.”
Last year Jake praised his mum Lisa during an appearance on Loose Women – leaving her in tears.
Reading out an emotional letter he penned for her on Mother’s Day, he said: “I didn't really deal with losing Dad and Oliver.
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“Like everything, I tried to carry on and put it to the back of my mind but you helped me cope.
“I knew I had to be strong for you, as did Adam.
“Oliver and Dad will be watching down, guiding us along in everything we do, so don't ever think you won't see them again, because you will. He's always around.
“I hope I make you proud because you've made me the man I am today. Love you always.”
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