money talks
Danniella Westbrook admits she went on Jeremy Kyle for money and drugs while ‘very vulnerable’ – but insists axed show looked after her
DANNIELLA Westbrook admits she went on The Jeremy Kyle Show for money and drugs but insists the axed programme looked after her.
The former drug addict was due to appear on the axed ITV show on Tuesday after recording a celebrity special about her stint in rehab.
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Having previously been on the programme to talk about her demons, Danniella told Jeremy Vine on his Channel 5 show today she didn't realise how vulnerable she was at the time of the first recording.
She said: "There's good and bad in everything isn't there? Let's just say that.
"For someone like me who went on to the show that was very ill, riddled with drug addictions and mental health problems,and self harming and everything else, I was a very vulnerable person to put on a show like that.
"On the day, my son was on the phone saying, 'If you go on there, I'll never speak to you again, you're going to kill yourself, you're only going on for drugs and money' and he was right. But I didn't care.
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Jeremy Kyle sends Danniella Westbrook to rehab after she admits to using drugs in the last seven days
"I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I went on it at the time for the fee, I wanted the money."
Danniella spoke before ITV today announced the show has been cancelled, following the tragic death of guest Steve Dymond, 63.
But despite doing it for the cash, the 45-year-old insisted the team at Jeremy Kyle had looked after her really well.
She continued: "[They said] no one is gonna look after me, but they really have.
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"Since I've been in rehab I've spoken to Jeremy and the team and Graham all the time I've been there and they've looked after me."
Before ITV confirmed its decision to scrap the programme, The Sun revealed how Jeremy, 53, feared the network was "trying to stitch him up";.
But Danniella insisted the star shouldn't be targeted, saying: "It's not him that's in trouble, it's a real shame, someone has taken their life.
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"That interview with me could have been me talking to you [Jeremy Vine].
"When I was in that sort of state, it takes a lot to get to that point, I can't always blame a television programme, it takes a lot to get to the point when you don't want to be here any more.
"The guy was very brave to go on the show in the first place."
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The Jeremy Kyle Show AXED permanently by ITV after guest Steven Dymond died from overdose
She added: "I didn't realise how vulnerable I was until I watched it back.
"He's got a love for people, Jeremy, and he's done a lot of good."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
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