Kelvin Fletcher and his family have been living away from their farm after a fire broke out in the farmhouse.

Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz have faced challenging times following a “devastating” fire, but they’ve now shared a significant update.

Last October, the family-of-six were enjoying a break away from their farm when they received news from a neighbour about a blaze at their farmhouse.

The fire rendered their home uninhabitable, forcing them to seek temporary lodgings. However, over a year later, they’ve made their return to the farm they hold dear.

In the season three finale of ITV’s Fletchers’ Family Farm, Kelvin Fletcher announced: “As far as big days go, this one’s huge.

“We’re taking delivery of our new lodge, the final step in getting us back living on the farm after a year of renting following a fire in the farmhouse.”

Fletchers’ Family Farm star Kelvin Fletcher, his wife Liz and their four children. (Image: ITV)

Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz were “devastated” when there was a fire at their farmhouse home last year. (Image: ITV)

Upon the arrival of the first part of their new temporary home, Liz reflected on the aftermath of the fire.

She revealed: “These things, dealing with the fire, it takes so much longer than you can ever imagine.

“It’s a full-time job trying to go through the whole process, the surveys, everything that needs to be done.

“As well as then, we haven’t even started the point of clearing the house out and actually making a start on that building work.

“So this just feels, although it’s temporary, feels like it will help us make those steps a bit more efficiently, a bit more not having to be in two places at the same time.”

Kelvin added: “After everything we’ve been through this year, the hardest part has been feeling so disconnected as a family.

“Being back on the farm brings us back together again and we couldn’t be happier.”

Kelvin Fletcher and wife Liz give ‘huge’ emotional update after ‘upsetting’ year (Image: ITV)

Liz light-heartedly referred to their current abode as a “posh caravan”, expressing relief and a sense of “a weight is lifting” with this significant move.

“The thought of being back at the farm 24/7, it just feels like the best feeling.”

In a voiceover, Kelvin acknowledged the “challenge” that lies ahead in this next phase of their adventure.

“It’s been a long road but our dream of returning to the farm is finally taking shape.

“But before we dig in, we’ve got to adapt to lodge living and with four kids in tow, that’s a whole new kind of challenge.”

Liz concurred: “It’s not your average caravan but there’s six of us.”

She then enthusiastically concluded: “It’ll just take the edge off of the upset of the fire I think and when we do the renovation, we’re here, we’re on site, we’re back. We’re back on the farm.”

 

‘COVER-UP OR CHAOS?’ Leaked Documents Spark Westminster Panic After Robinson’s Explosive Claims  Robinson alleges City Hall ran a hidden strategy to protect senior figures and steer public perception. Critics urge caution over unverified material — yet allies are demanding answers, and the political fallout is already spiralling.

In a Stunning Political Unveiling, Tommy Robinson Exposes Sadiq Khan’s Alleged Secret Scheme to Manipulate Public Perception – Are We Witnessing the Collapse of Trust in London’s Leadership? Discover the Shocking Details Behind Robinson’s Leaked Documents that Claim to Reveal a Covert Plan to Control Information During Critical Times. As the Controversy Escalates, Will Khan’s Silence Lead to Political Ruin or Will the Truth Emerge from the Shadows?

Breaking: Tommy Robinson Unveils Explosive Leak Alleging Sadiq Khan’s Secret Cover-Up – Stakes Skyrocket!

In a bombshell revelation sending shockwaves through British politics, controversial figure Tommy Robinson has exposed what he claims are damning documents implicating London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a clandestine scheme to suppress politically sensitive information.

Robinson, known for his incendiary activism and fearless whistleblowing, came forward with a trove of confidential files that, according to him, reveal an orchestrated effort by Khan’s office to manipulate public perception. This covert plan, described as a “communications strategy” to manage and disguise critical details, threatens to upend trust in one of the UK’s most significant political figures.

The leak’s timing couldn’t be more charged. While media attention was diverted elsewhere, Robinson alleges, behind the scenes, a carefully crafted narrative was being deployed to conceal an explosive policy shift—details of which are now under intense scrutiny.

Instantly going live, Robinson brandished physical copies of the documents, highlighting key passages and declaring, “They didn’t want this out. They thought no one would find out.” His broadcast ignited a firestorm, sparking feverish debate across social media platforms, where supporters call it a monumental exposé and detractors dismiss it as politically motivated theatrics.

Khan’s office swiftly responded, labeling the claims “pure political theater” and asserting the mayor’s commitment to transparency. Yet a notable absence of outright denial regarding the documents’ existence fanned the flames of suspicion even higher.

Inside sources paint a murky picture. The alleged internal communications plan is said to involve controlling what information reaches the public, potentially rewriting narratives around contentious decisions. Critics argue this confirms long-held fears that political insiders prioritize image management over accountability.

The clash between Robinson and Khan is more than a personal feud; it resonates deeply across the nation. Sadiq Khan, a globally recognized figure and London’s first Muslim mayor, has his political future hanging in the balance, while Robinson’s supporters hail him as a fearless exposer of hidden truths.

Social media reactions have been electric: “If even half of this is accurate, heads must roll,” one user thundered, while another lamented, “This only deepens the crisis of trust in our leaders.” Conversely, many defended Khan, accusing Robinson of exploiting timing ahead of crucial elections.

The political fallout is swift and growing. Opposition parties demand full disclosure of the materials to restore public confidence. Even a Labour insider privately conceded that transparency would be the wisest course, warning the current defensive posture only raises more doubts.

What makes this saga even more riveting is Robinson’s tantalizing hint that this leak is merely the first chapter. He has promised further revelations that could deepen the controversy, signaling a protracted battle that shows no sign of abating.

Meanwhile, Khan’s team seems intent on weathering the storm through terse statements and a low profile, opting not to engage in heated public debates or detailed clarifications—an approach some critics claim only intensifies the atmosphere of mistrust.

Political analysts suggest that silence might be a strategic misstep. As one former adviser put it, “Failing to fully address these allegations hands Robinson a powerful platform and feeds conspiracy theories.”

At its core, this confrontation underscores a critical and unsettling question: Who truly controls the narrative in contemporary politics? And more importantly, can the public rely on leaders to be forthright with information that shapes their lives?

As the story unfolds, it is clear the stakes have never been higher. The very fabric of political credibility in London—and potentially beyond—is under serious threat.

With Robinson poised to release more documents and Khan’s office bracing for sustained pressure, the next days and weeks could redefine political accountability in Britain’s capital.

One thing is certain: This explosive saga is far from over. The nation watches, waiting to see if the truth will finally emerge from the shadows or be buried under layers of spin and denial.

Stay tuned as this major story develops. The consequences of these allegations could reshape the political landscape in ways few anticipated—and the full extent of what Khan’s office sought to conceal may only now be coming to light.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist George Clarke left viewers in tears as he struggled to contain his emotions during a moving interview on It Takes Two, just hours before the grand final tonight (Saturday, December 20).

George and Alexis discussed the final (Credit: BBC)

Fans were in tears too (Credit: BBC)

George Clarke and dance partner Alexis Warr (pictured) are hoping to emerge victorious in Saturday’s finale of Strictly Come Dancing

YouTuber George Clarke has become the people’s favourite in this year’s Strictly for both his impassioned dancefloor performance and the way he dedicated his routine as a ‘love letter’ to his family, specifically his adored mother Nicky – who is currently fighting breast cancer

The 26-year-old TikTok sensation, joined by pro partner Alexis Warr, was overcome when shown heartfelt messages of support from his family during the show on Friday evening. Unable to continue, George wiped away tears and apologised, admitting: “Sorry… this is awful of me,” as he reflected on the journey that has brought him to the verge of the Glitterball Trophy.

It’s all too easy to see why Strictly bosses hope that privately-educated George’s popularity with savvy online youngsters may revitalise what has become an increasingly toxic and tired television brand

George explained that he’d tried not to think about the final in order to stay present, saying the experience has already given him “imposter syndrome,” but also acknowledging how difficult the aftermath of the competition may feel once the whirlwind ends.

Fans watching at home were visibly moved, taking to social media to share their own tears and praise his humility and vulnerability. Messages poured in: “I’m emotional for George,” “Don’t cry, you’ll set me off,” and “He is so loved.”

Despite being a strong favourite among the public, bookmakers currently place him behind Karen Carney in the odds. But George’s journey has resonated far deeper than scores or rankings — driven not by fame, but by love and a desperate desire to make his mother proud.

In week eight, his emotional rhumba dedicated to his mum Nicky — who is bravely battling breast cancer — earned widespread admiration. The routine, described as a “love letter,” left both George and his family in tears and marked the moment when the wider Strictly audience embraced him.

George spoke candidly about his mother’s diagnosis, admitting that she has endured more than most: “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, least of all her.” Her illness now dominates family life, and George has been open about how the news has affected him.

The YouTuber, known for his massive online following — 2.4 million TikTok fans, nearly a million across Instagram and YouTube — has captured attention beyond his digital audience. Strictly bosses reportedly hope his popularity with younger viewers may breathe new life into the long-running show.

Unlike his rivals, George has no professional dance background. Friends say the only dancing he ever did before Strictly was at university socials, making his progress even more remarkable. Meanwhile, fellow finalists Amber Davies and Karen Carney have sparked debate due to their extensive dance experience.

George’s journey is also tied to a quieter family story. His mother’s resilience isn’t new — she previously battled encephalitis when he was 16, leaving George traumatised after witnessing her seizure. Yet he describes her as selfless and strong, apologising to the family even after her recovery.

Supporting him from the audience is his girlfriend, model Yasmin Bennett, credited by George as believing in him “more than I did.” His upbringing in Bristol, private education, and university degree paint a picture of a grounded young man who chose effort over shortcuts — despite his father’s senior role at Aardman Animations.

Amber Davies, meanwhile, has faced backlash from viewers because of her stage background and will not participate in the Strictly tour due to prior commitments to the musical Legally Blonde.

George’s growing public profile, however, seems set to extend beyond Strictly, with new  TV opportunities reportedly emerging. Insiders say he may be on the verge of becoming a breakout star — not just online, but across mainstream media.

And should he lift the Glitterball Trophy tonight, no supporter will be cheering louder than his mother — the woman whose courage inspired his every step on the Strictly dancefloor.

LONDON ON EDGE: Jim Davidson unleashes a blistering exposé accusing Mayor Sadiq Khan of presiding over a capital in crisis, as crime surges, transport systems buckle, and ordinary Londoners say they are being ignored. His explosive critique sparks fury, political backlash, and a nationwide debate over whether City Hall has failed its people — and whether Khan will finally be forced to answer.

Breaking News: Jim Davidson Unleashes Explosive Critique of Sadiq Khan Amid  London’s Rising Turmoil!

In an electrifying turn of events just moments ago, British comedy legend Jim Davidson has launched a blistering attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, sparking uproar and igniting a fierce debate across the capital and beyond. This is no mere celebrity gripe—Davidson’s words cut through the noise, spotlighting deep frustrations simmering beneath the surface of London life.

“London’s not the city I remember,” Davidson declared during a sharply candid podcast appearance, his tone raw and laden with urgency. He zeroed in on spiraling crime rates, a faltering transport system, and a growing disconnection between City Hall and everyday Londoners. His message? Khan’s leadership has failed to protect and serve the people who make the city tick.

The backdrop to this bombshell is grim. A recent murder rocked London’s streets, further energizing Davidson’s bleak picture of a city unraveling. Families strain beneath housing costs, commuters battle chaotic public transport, and safety fears grip neighborhoods. Davidson slammed the Mayor’s focus on headline PR over concrete action, calling out a lack of accountability to those most affected.

Within hours, the clip went viral. Social media erupted with divided reactions: supporters hailed Davidson for voicing a truth long ignored, while critics condemned his remarks as incendiary and unconstructive. Political commentators weighed in heavily, some urging serious attention to the concerns Davidson channels, others dismissing the critique as out of touch.

Despite the backlash, Davidson’s critique resonates with a large segment of Londoners frustrated by what they see as a leadership disconnected from their daily struggles. Even some Labour insiders quietly question whether Khan’s emphasis on ambitious projects overshadows urgent street-level crises—rising knife crime, shuttering businesses, and overcrowded transport.

Davidson, though not a politician, wields immense influence and has inserted himself forcibly into the most critical conversation currently gripping the UK capital: Is London’s government working for its people, or has it become an echo chamber for elite priorities?

While Khan’s defenders highlight his achievements in environmental initiatives and diversity, Davidson’s message underscores a stark reality for many: a city where divisions deepen and the working class feels increasingly marginalized and unheard.

This sudden eruption of public frustration reveals a volatile tinderbox of discontent. Davidson’s spotlight demands that political leaders confront the widening chasm between rhetoric and reality in London’s governance. The Mayor’s response and subsequent measures will be scrutinized intensely.

The stakes are high. Londoners want not just glossy campaigns, but effective solutions to the pressing challenges endangering the city’s heart and soul. Davidson’s unfiltered truth-telling may well be the spark triggering a much-needed reckoning in City Hall.

One thing is clear: the political calm surrounding Khan’s tenure has shattered. The outcry is loud and unmistakable. For millions watching, this is more than entertainment—it’s a call to action, a disruption that demands urgent attention and honest reckoning.

As the story develops, we will continue to provide real-time updates on the fallout from Davidson’s incendiary revelations and the Mayor’s next moves. Whatever your views, this moment signals a pivotal turning point for London’s future and the leadership it urgently requires. The capital’s simmering tensions have now exploded onto the national stage—brace for impact.

First Christmas, Big Feelings: Reuben Owen marks huge step in relationship with girlfriend ‘can’t believe it’

Reuben Owen has marked a major step forward in his relationship with girlfriend Jess during a festive episode of his Channel 5 series Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales, leaving viewers smiling at the couple’s growing bond.

The 21-year-old farmer, who first found fame on Our Yorkshire Farm, shared several intimate moments with Jess as the pair prepared to spend their first Christmas together — a milestone that comes just over a year after they began dating. The episode showed Reuben organising a Christmas party at Jess’ family farm as a heartfelt thank-you to the friends and relatives who have supported them throughout the year.

Before the celebrations could begin, Reuben, alongside his colleagues Sonny and Capper and Jess’ father David, faced a demanding barn renovation that had to be completed in time for the party. The pressure only added to the sense of achievement when the evening finally came together.

Adding a touch of chaos and charm, the couple also raised a group of turkey chicks for their first Christmas celebrations — though the birds briefly escaped, forcing Reuben and Jess to work together to round them up.

Reflecting on their journey, Reuben remarked with a smile that it was their second Christmas together, while Jess laughed as she realised how quickly time had passed, admitting she “couldn’t believe it” herself. When asked about Christmas presents, Jess insisted she didn’t need anything, while Reuben joked that he was hoping for articulated wrap — and perhaps even another digger.

The episode echoed the affection the couple have shown publicly in recent months. Back in October, Reuben marked their one-year anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post declaring his love for Jess, who responded by saying they had made “so many amazing memories together”.

Fans were quick to flood the couple with warm messages, praising their natural chemistry and calling them “made for one another”, with many urging Channel 5 to feature Jess even more on the show.

Ant McPartlin Melts Hearts Worldwide: Newborn Son’s Name Is an Emotional Tribute to Lifelong Best Friend Declan Donnelly!

From Heartbreak to Brotherhood – The Name That Stopped Fans in Their Tracks, Honoring a Bond Stronger Than Fame

LONDON – May 15, 2024 – Ant McPartlin has done it again—not with a cheeky prank on Britain’s Got Talent or a Saturday Night Takeaway flourish, but with a simple, soul-stirring announcement that’s left fans around the globe reaching for tissues. The 48-year-old TV icon, one half of the unstoppable Ant & Dec duo, revealed the name of his newborn son in a black-and-white Instagram post that’s already amassed over 2.5 million likes: Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Born at 8:54 a.m. on May 14, the 7-pound bundle of joy arrived via an “incredible” home birth with wife Anne-Marie Corbett, 46, who Ant called “a legend” in the caption. But it’s the middle name—Patrick—that’s the emotional haymaker, a heartfelt nod to Ant’s best friend turned brother, Declan Donnelly, whose own middle name is Patrick and who will serve as the baby’s godfather.

The post, shared on the duo’s joint @AntAndDec account, captures Ant cradling his son against his tattooed shoulder—a new family tree inked with dedications to Anne-Marie’s daughters, Poppy and Daisy, and their dogs Milo and Bumble (with Wilder’s initials soon to join). “Welcome to the family Wilder Patrick McPartlin,” Ant wrote, his words a mix of joy and raw vulnerability. “Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess.” Fans flooded the comments with adoration, but it was the Patrick reveal that hit like a thunderbolt. “The sweetest, purest tribute ever seen in showbiz,” one wrote, while another sobbed, “Dec must be bawling—brothers for life, now godfather forever. This stopped me in my tracks.”

This isn’t a trendy pick or a celebrity echo; it’s a profound homage to a bond forged in the fires of fame, heartbreak, and unbreakable loyalty. Ant and Dec’s friendship dates back to their soap opera days on Byker Grove in 1990, evolving into a partnership that’s defined British TV for three decades—hosting everything from I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! to the BAFTAs. But it’s the personal trenches they’ve navigated together that make Patrick’s inclusion so poignant. Ant’s 2017 spiral into addiction—fueled by grief over his brother’s death, a crumbling first marriage to Lisa Armstrong, and the pressures of superstardom—saw Dec standing sentinel. When Ant was arrested for drink-driving in 2018, Dec shouldered solo presenting duties on Britain’s Got Talent, publicly declaring, “I’ve got your back, always.” Ant later credited Dec with saving his life: “He’s my brother in every way that matters. Without him, I wouldn’t be here.”

Dec, 49, who shares two children with wife Ali Aate, Izzy and Jack, was “over the moon” at the news, per sources close to the duo. He’ll step into godfather duties with the same quiet devotion he’s shown Ant through comebacks, including Ant’s 2021 wedding to Anne-Marie—his former PA—and their IVF journey to parenthood. “Patrick is Dec’s middle name, but it’s so much more,” a friend told The Sun. “It’s Ant saying, ‘You’ve been my rock—now you’re family eternal.’”

The outpouring has been seismic. Celebs like Alesha Dixon (“Awwwww darling I’m so happy for you both!”) and Davina McCall (“Arggggghhhhhhhhhh!!!! This is AMAZING !!!! Congratulations to ALL of you”) flooded the post, while fans shared stories of how Ant & Dec’s camaraderie inspired their own friendships. “A gesture only someone with a truly loyal heart could make,” one tweeted, echoing the sentiment that’s propelled #WilderPatrick to trend worldwide.

For Ant, fatherhood at 48—after years of heartbreak and a “mess” of emotions—is a milestone sweetened by this tribute. As he embarks on paternity leave, one thing’s clear: Wilder Patrick McPartlin arrives not just into a family, but a legacy of love that fame can’t touch. From Geordie lads to global icons, Ant and Dec prove brotherhood is the ultimate comeback story.

‘She No Longer Recognises Her Son, Nor Me — Her Condition Is Getting Worse…’ Martin Frizell Broke Down As He Shared The Devastating Decline Of Fiona Phillips, Revealing The Cruel Reality Of Her Battle With Early-Onset Alzheimer’s. “Every Day I See Pieces Of The Woman I Love Fade Away,” He Whispered, Tears Rolling Down His Face, “And Yet I Stay By Her Side, Holding Her Hand, Reminding Her Of The Life We Built Together.” Friends Describe Martin’s Endless Devotion: “He Talks To Her, Sings To Her, Holds Her Close — Never Letting Her Face The Fog Alone.” Social Media Has Erupted In Heartfelt Support, With Fans Pouring Out Messages Like, “This Is The Truest Form Of Love I’ve Ever Witnessed,” And, “He’s Her Rock In The Darkest Storm.” The Couple’s Harrowing Journey, Filled With Pain, Tears, And Unbreakable Loyalty, Stuns The Nation, Serving As A Tearful Reminder That Love Sometimes Means Remembering For Both Hearts When One Is Lost.

Fiona Phillips’ husband, Martin Frizell, has opened up about the devastating decline of the former GMTV star as her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s continues to take its toll.

Fiona, now 64, was diagnosed in 2022, and Martin revealed in their memoir Remember When that she no longer recognised their eldest son, Nat, 24. Sharing the book’s success on Instagram—where it remains in the Sunday Times Bestsellers List—Martin included an old photograph of Fiona in her vibrant years, writing that she wanted to thank readers for “lifting her mood” during such a difficult time.

“She’s got bad depression because she wants to work, but she’s not well enough,” Martin told This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary. He admitted the memoir began as “a few paragraphs” but turned into 24,000 words, driven by his frustration that Alzheimer’s remains the UK’s biggest killer yet still receives little attention.

“This is a bubbly, smart, fearless woman, a very modern woman—and suddenly it all just stops. I get very angry because no one talks about it. We become invisible with Alzheimer’s,” he said, his voice breaking.

Martin also revealed Fiona suffers from anxiety and secondary health issues that cause her severe pain, compounding her confusion. Yet despite the heartbreak, he continues to honour her legacy, sharing old memories and songs they once loved, hoping to remind the world of the woman who once lit up British television screens.

Detroit’s Nine Design + Homes warehouse still reeked of fresh paint and betrayal when Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas hit record on November 14, 2025. The Bargain Block duo—inked, in love, and incandescent—unleashed a 27-minute Instagram Live that detonated like a wrecking ball through HGTV’s glass façade. “We were laughing,” Keith choked, tears carving rivers down his tattooed cheeks, “because it was insane. They told us straight up: ‘We need you out of the picture.’ Not the show—the us. The gay us.” Evan, usually the quiet anchor, slammed a fist on the workbench: “They hated that we turned blight into rainbow pride. Said it ‘confused heartland demos.’” Within minutes, #HGTVGate trended worldwide, 8.7 million posts, 1.2 million signatures on a Max-stream revival petition, and a boycott that crashed the network’s ad portal for 14 hours straight.

The smoking gun? A June 2025 email chain—leaked verbatim to this outlet by three terrified production assistants—dated the day Bargain Block was greenlit for Season 6, then axed 48 hours later. Subject line: “URGENT: Brand Risk Mitigation.” Sender: Discovery SVP of Unscripted. Key bullet: “Bynum/Thomas visibility—LGBTQ+ saturation exceeds 12% threshold. Midwest focus groups flag ‘agenda push.’ Recommend immediate sunset.” Keith read it aloud, voice cracking like cheap plaster: “We flipped 47 homes, saved 200 Detroit jobs, mentored queer kids on camera—and we’re the risk?” Evan scrolled to the kicker: “Replace with neutral hetero duo. Same format, safer palette.” The warehouse erupted—Shea Hicks-Whitfield, their realtor ride-or-die, hurled a paint roller into a wall, screaming, “They wanted beige over us?!”
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Flash to the final wrap party, July 2025. Crew toasted Season 5’s 1.6 million viewer average—HGTV’s highest-rated reno ever. Then the call came. Keith recounts the producer’s whisper: “It’s not ratings. It’s the kiss in Episode 8—the one after the rainbow kitchen reveal. Execs lost three advertisers overnight.” Evan’s eyes blaze: “That kiss? We’d been married six years. It was real.” They laughed—manic, gut-deep—because the alternative was collapse. “We built an empire on love,” Keith sobs, clutching Evan’s hand. “They tore it down for fear.”

The ripple is seismic. Jonathan Knight FaceTimed mid-stream: “Same playbook, brothers.” Erin Napier posted a single broken heart emoji. Tarek El Moussa pledged $100K to their indie pilot. Detroit’s mayor declared November 15 “Bargain Block Day,” 10,000 locals flooding Core City with pride flags. Keith and Evan’s next move? A crowdfunded Bargain Block: Uncut on YouTube—first episode drops December 1, no network leash. “We’re not erased,” Evan vows, voice steel. “We’re everywhere now.”

HGTV’s response? A sterile statement: “Creative evolution.” Translation: cowardice. But the queer joy they tried to bury is blooming louder—on murals, in merch, in every cracked sidewalk they once saved. Stream the leaked email. Share the Live. Scream it from rooftops. Because when a network tries to paint over love, the world grabs the brightest brush and fights back.

The designer opened up about “using substances” in his HGTV special “My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending”

David Bromstad revealed that he sought treatment amid filming My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending

The special documents how Bromstad’s dream home being nearly destroyed by a storm caused him to spiral

He got candid about “using substances” and opened up about unresolved childhood trauma

My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending premiered on HGTV on Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. ET

David Bromstad is getting candid about getting the help he needed when he was in a dark place.

The HGTV star opened up about seeking treatment in the middle of filming My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending, after a major set back set him on a bad path.

In an exclusive clip shared with PEOPLE from the episode , Bromstad, 52, spoke about “using substances” while discussing how he coped after a storm all but destroyed his Florida dream home mid-renovation. “I got into some unhealthy behaviors and it’s really easy to go there when you’re under distress,” he shared. “I knew I was in trouble.”

Later in the special, which premiered on Friday, Dec. 19, Bromstad opened up about how his mental well-being had become intertwined with the project. “I think with the house, with where I’m at emotionally, physically, spiritually, psychologically, everything has stopped. I was literally screaming out for help,” he began.

HGTV

David Bromstad in ‘My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending’

The house is a fairytale-like creation he designed to help heal some childhood trauma, he explains, revealing he was “super depressed” growing up because he was bullied.

“Back when I was a teenager, I didn’t deal with what really happened,” he explained. “I was exactly this amount of gay, this amount of perfect, but that was not celebrated, that was looked [at] in a different way back then.”

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“I was super depressed. I was super bullied. And so for me to idealize my childhood was a complete defense mechanism that was beautiful; it saved me,” he explains.

“Now my childhood fantasy, my house, is broken, like me,” Bromstad continued. The extreme water damage from rain and flooding caused an extensive mold problem in the half-finished home that required everything to be ripped out down to the studs, essentially setting the project back to square one.

Realizing the seriousness of his situation, Bromstad said, “I decided it’s time. I need to put my house on hold and I need to check myself into some sort of program.”

“I need to talk. I need to climb out of this hole. I need to understand why I climbed into it in the first place,” he added.

After getting the help he needed, Bromstad took a trip to Norway to celebrate his 50th birthday in August 2023. He posted about his journey on Instagram and reflected on the “most unique year” of his life.

“I could not be more grateful for every aspect of my existence. Learning to love myself, warts and all, has been the hardest and most beautiful process.”

He added that celebrating his milestone birthday in Norway was a way to connect with his roots. Bromstad was able to “see how my ancestors lived and the air they breathed.”

“Being here has answered so many questions about why I love the things I do. It was a perfect day hiking, kayaking and communing with nature and all her glory. Thank u for allowing me another trip around the sun.”

Bromstad also mentioned his sobriety in another social media update about the trip. “Feels good to be present, sober and living the life I was intended to live,” he wrote about climbing the 2,000 steps of Reinebringen.

AUSSIES DEMAND PAULINE HANSON BE MADE PRIME MINISTER IMMEDIATELY: One Nation Leader Unleashes Fiery Message After Bondi Beach Terror Attack – “I’ve Warned You for Years, Now It’s Time to Take Our Country Back!” Nationwide Fury Erupts as Thousands Rally Behind Auntie Pauline to Replace Weak Albanese, Blaming His “Soft” Policies for the Massacre That Claimed 15 Innocent Lives! Outraged Citizens Flood Streets and Social Media Calling Hanson the Only Leader Tough Enough to Stop the Invasion and Root Out the Threats She’s Predicted for Decades! Insiders Reveal Pale-Faced Labor Panicking as One Nation Support Skyrockets, Turning National Grief into Massive Political Uprising Against the Betrayal! The Explosive Call to Action That Could Shatter the Establishment Forever – Exclusive Inside Her Blistering Post-Attack Declaration Fueling the Movement to Save Australia RIGHT NOW!

Aussies demand Pauline Hanson be made Prime Minister: One Nation leader shares fiery message after Bondi Beach attack

Aussies have called for Pauline Hanson to be elected prime minister after she shared a fiery message for Anthony Albanese in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack.
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The One Nation leader said she blamed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for not doing enough to stem antisemitism, arguing the attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs could have been avoided.

‘I’m devastated for the Jewish community, for my fellow Australian citizens. It should never have happened,’ she told 4BC.

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‘I blame the Prime Minister for this, he’s been so weak in trying to deal with the hatred that’s happened on our streets in the last two years. Even the people he still brings into the country.

We’ve got to take a stronger stand on who we bring into the country.’

Authorities allege Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father Sajid allegedly opened fire at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration shortly before 7pm on Sunday, killing 15 innocent people and injuring more than 40 others.

Hanson’s comments came after she took to Instagram on Monday to reshare an interview from September, warning against Australia’s increasingly open borders.

‘For nearly three decades I have been warning Australia about the dangers of letting people into this country who refuse to integrate and assimilate with our way of life,’ she wrote.

Many Australians were quick to heap praise on Hanson with many saying she would be a better Prime Minister.

‘Pauline For PM!!! C’mon Australia let’s go. After today at Bondi she is the only right choice,’ one wrote.

‘Pauline has a care and love of Australia that you don’t see in other politicians. We need her now more than ever,’ a second added.

‘You have my vote, Pauline. I trust you with our country,’ another added.

However not everyone agreed, with one commenter pointing out that one of the alleged gunmen, Naveed, was born in Australia, while a hero who intervened in the shooting, Ahmed Al Ahmed, was born in Syria.
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‘So we’re not going to mention that the gunman was born here and the person who stopped him was an immigrant? Because it doesn’t fit the narrative,’ they said.

While Naveed was born in Australia, his father Sajid had managed to stay in Australia on a series of visas for 27 years – firstly a student visa in 1998, then a spouse/partner visa in 2001, and returning resident visas which were renewed after his overseas trips.

In her September interview, Hanson said the government was accelerating migration in the belief it helped Labor electorally, and was sowing division in society.

‘If you keep voting for these bastards that actually don’t have pride in our country and Australian flag, then be prepared to get what we’re going to get,’ she said.

‘We’ve seen it now with the division that is happening, the hatred that we see on the streets, the escalating crime, and that’s only going to escalate.

‘It is about mass immigration that’s happening here… the government brings (people) in purely for the vote, and the fools out there keep voting for them.

‘You’re going to suffer. You will suffer.’

Naveed was investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) for six months in 2019 over close ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State terrorism cell.
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When Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was questioned by Nat Barr on Sunrise over whether ASIO missed warning signs surrounding Naveed Akram, he said no.

‘Our agencies could not have done more in terms of making an assessment,’ he said.

‘Our agencies make sure that they’re keeping Australians safe, but they will never be able to be all-seeing and all-knowing.

‘I have full confidence, absolute full confidence, in the work that they do.’

Despite Burke’s confidence, many had asked why someone being monitored by ASIO was allowed to gain access to guns via his father who had six licensed firearms.

Naveed remains in hospital under police guard after being shot by officers. He is believed to be in a coma but is expected to survive and will ‘likely’ face criminal charges.

His father was shot dead by police at the scene.