EXCLUSIVE: Coronation Street star reveals serious consequences for Leanne in Rowan cult plot
Coronation Street’s Leanne Battersby could face huge repercussions after being manipulated by scammer Rowan Cunliffe, as the cult storyline escalates on the ITV soap
Coronation Street star Emrhys Cooper has teased huge consequences ahead for Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap’s cult storyline.
Leanne has been reeled in by Rowan Cunliffe and his “self-improvement” institute, and she’s now at the point where she has been investing in it. Rowan has trained Leanne up to be a mentor like him, with her set to use her “new skills” to encourage others to become a member.
With Amy Barlow next on Rowan’s radar, Leanne will show the character all about the organisation, and the techniques she has used to help deal with her past trauma. Rowan targets vulnerable people with money, and now Amy is his next target.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, actor Emrhys teased what the plot will mean for Leanne when the truth eventually comes out. He teased repercussions ahead for Leanne, and she could face serious trouble.
Coronation Street star Emrhys Cooper has teased huge consequences ahead for Leanne Battersby
He told us: “There’s more to come. I would love to tell you how long it is gonna go on for… we’ve got a bit of a ride, we’ve got a few twists and turns. He’s orchestrated recruiting Amy.
“He’s heard she’s vulnerable, she’s lost and she’s got money. She is the perfect victim for the institute and he’s training Leanne to recruit. She is doing a very good job so I would watch out for Leanne.”
On the repercussions, he went on: “I think there are gonna be consequences for her actions for sure. Using her relationship with Amy who trusts Leanne, so there will be some repercussions for that but I can’t tell you what.”
He went on regarding what’s ahead: “We’re gonna see a new recruit and we’re gonna witness Leanne’s skills, cos she’s been trained up. So it will be interesting to see how she’s using those learned skills to attract Amy.
“As long as she coughs up I think he’s gonna be happy, money talks.” Emrhys revealed his character had plans for Weatherfield too, saying: “I think Rowan’s plan is to get a resource centre and take over the Street, but he’s also moving slow and steady. It’s not an overnight thing.”
ITV This Morning halted live on air as host Cat Deeley flees the studio
This Morning got off to an awkward start on Tuesday as a segment was halted live on air with Cat Deeley forced to flee the studio, leaving co-star Ben Shephard to host solo
This Morning had to be halted on Tuesday as Cat Deeley was forced to leave the studio.
The presenter, 47, who admitted at the start of the show she was suffering with a heavy cold, had to run off the set after she started having a coughing fit while hosting a segment with TV doctors about antidepressants.
This meant co-star Ben Shephard was forced to host alone before Cat later joined him back in the studio following her coughing fit. During the segment, Cat started coughing before she was seen running off set with Ben, 49, explaining: “I think Cat’s having to sneak out because she’s about to have a coughing fit! We’ve got doctors here, we’re alright!” to which Tony, one of the TV doctors, asked if Cat was okay.
This Morning had to be halted on Tuesday as Cat Deeley was forced to leave the studio(
Image: ITV)
Later, Cat returned to the studio where Ben asked if she had recovered to which the star admitted her eye was running and she was sucking a Strepsil to prevent any further coughing. Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were left concerned for Cat as one person said: “Hope Cat’s ok. I’ve had coughing fits like that & they’re not fun #ThisMorning”, a different account put: “Fair play to Cat for soldiering on” while another added: “Someone get Cat some buttercup syrup #ThisMorning!”
It comes as Cat admitted at the start of the show that she wasn’t feeling too good. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly to share what This Morning had coming up, Ben said: “Very busy show for you this morning but Cat’s got a bit of a heavy cold I’m afraid…” to which Cat admitted she wasn’t feeling too great.
Meanwhile, last week, This Morning was forced to pause once again after Ben got rather distracted. The duo were dishing out the day’s lineup when the distraction occurred. Cat kicked off with: “OK, let’s take a look at what we have coming up on today’s show. Bringing the laughs to the studio comedian Chris McCausland is here as he prepares to take over Saturday mornings with his very own daytime show.”
This meant co-star Ben Shephard was forced to host alone before Cat later joined him back in the studio following her coughing fit
Ben chimed in with a quip: “Let’s get Chris racing around the studio as well,” before continuing: “Also we are taking a journey back in time as they have been dominating the land of the living dinosaurs, morning, David.” The camera then switched to David at a safari park, who shared: “One of my favourite exhibits is the dinosaur section, I’m joined by a little bearded dragon here, this is Kenny, say hello Kenny.”
He added: “And behind me are some of his ancestors, these dinosaurs look incredibly lifelike”, continuing: “Many of the plants here date back to prehistoric times, indeed, I’ll be exploring some ancient plant life that you can cultivate in your own home and garden.”
Cat proceeded: “Helping you make a splash this summer, Laura is poolside with her pick of the best swimwear.” After an awkward silence, Ben suddenly realised: “Oh I thought we were going to hear… there is me just staring at the bikinis.” The presenter gathered his composure before announcing to the audience: “The sun is out which means one thing for most of us, it is rosé time and we have found some of the best bottles.”
This Morning fans squirm at Chaka Khan’s blunt reply to ‘painful’ interview
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard spoke to Chaka Khan as the singer celebrates a milestone in her career. But viewers couldn’t help but notice tension as they pointed out a huge detail.
Viewers are convinced Chaka Khan was not happy to be chatting to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.
The I’m Every Woman singer (whose hit was reprised in 1992 by Whitney Houston), was on the set of This Morning this Tuesday, July 2, as she celebrates her career’s 50th anniversary.
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard were excited to welcome the hitmaker in the studio but just as the former introduced the upcoming interview ahead of an ad break, viewers pointed out that Chaka Khan looked far from pleased about the chat.
Tension seemed to linger in the air moments later when Chaka moved over to the couch with Cat Deeley asking her: “how are you?” and the artist responded with a blunt: “I’m here.”
Chaka Khan celebrated 50 years of music on the set of This Morning but TV fans pointed out she would rather have been anywhere else
Viewers flocked over to X, otherwise known as Twitter, as they were left in hysterics by Chaka Khan’s unexpected bluntness. “Chaka Khan looks as thrilled as us”, one wrote.
Another added: “Chaka Khan doesn’t enjoy interviews. Can you tell?”, while a third quipped: “haka Khan’s publicity agent trying to wrap the interview up.”
One TV fan called out a “painful” interview as they chimed in: “Chaka is a fabulous icon but this interview is painful!”, just as a fourth echoed: “Chaka Khan would rather be scrubbing the toilet than give this interview.”
Another weighed in: “Chaka sounds really bored with this interview.” Elsewhere, more viewers were disappointed by Chaka Khan’s apparent lack of enthusiasm as one wrote: “I must say that I prefer Chaka Khan’s BBC Breakfast interview a few weeks ago.”
One TV watcher went a step further as they took their frustrations out on the star: “If you don’t want the publicity Chaka don’t come on shows like this FFS. Miserable mare.”
Another commented: “I feel like Alison and Dermot should of interviewed Chaka khan with big stars Alison knows how to make them comfortable and get what you need this just feels uncomfortable.”
Earlier during the programme, This Morning’s new Coin Drop – which recently replaced the show’s last game, Spin To Win – triggered a wave of angry reactions online.
One viewer notably penned: “Coin drop is so low rent”, while another echoed in agreement, lamenting the disappearance of This Morning’s Spin to Win: “Coin Drop Aka: S***** Tipping Point & not a patch on Spin to Win.”
Another furious viewer added: “The coin dropped with us weeks ago, that this show is shite these days,” just as one TV fan chimed in: “Coin drop the wish version of tippingpoint.”
One viewer fumed: “Oh please stop with this tipping point/coin drop crap. It’s not good,” while a final TV fan added: “Coin drop is not a competition though is it. It’s a game of chance.”
On Monday, This Morning viewers were seething when they learned they would have to pay a fee to take part in the show’s new Coin Drop, particularly as Spin to Win was free to enter.
Meghan Markle is upset that fans keep comparing her to Princess Kate, she vows to make Kate Middleton jealous
Meghan Markle has frequently found herself at the center of public scrutiny, often being compared to her sister-in-law, Princess Kate. This ongoing comparison has reportedly left Meghan feeling overshadowed and envious of the positive attention Kate receives. Sources suggest that Meghan’s frustration is rooted in the strong bond Prince Harry shares with Kate, which has only intensified Meghan’s feelings of being an outsider within the royal family.
Meghan’s jealousy reportedly stems from several factors. For one, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were known to have a sibling-like relationship before Meghan entered the picture. Their close bond and frequent public appearances together highlighted a natural camaraderie that Meghan felt excluded from. This sense of exclusion was compounded by the perception that Kate seamlessly transitioned into her royal role, garnering widespread admiration and support from both the public and the royal family.
In response to these feelings, Meghan has vowed to carve out her own path to success, focusing on her Hollywood career and her podcast centered on successful, independent women. Meghan believes that by excelling in these areas, she can not only redefine her public image but also make Kate envious of her accomplishments outside the royal sphere. Her podcast aims to highlight the stories of inspiring women, showcasing her commitment to female empowerment and leveraging her Hollywood connections to boost her profile.
This determination to outshine Kate in the entertainment world is seen by some as a strategic move to shift the narrative. Meghan’s ambition to succeed in Hollywood and her dedication to promoting women’s stories through her podcast reflect her desire to establish an identity independent of royal comparisons. While the success of these ventures remains to be seen, Meghan’s efforts signal a clear intent to redefine her public persona and gain recognition on her own terms.
In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s reaction to being compared to Princess Kate is driving her to seek success in Hollywood and through her podcast, aiming to create a legacy distinct from her royal associations. This journey reflects her resilience and determination to be seen as a powerful, independent woman beyond the shadow of royal expectations.
Anna Wintour’s Cold Shoulder: Meghan Markle Denied Vogue Cover and Barred from Vogue Paris
Anna Wintour’s decision to deny Meghan Markle a Vogue cover and ban her from Vogue-related events has sent shockwaves through the fashion world.
Meghan Markle’s aspirations for a Vogue cover have reportedly come up short, with fashion insiders buzzing about a potential snub from the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.
The Duchess of Sussex, known for her style influence, reportedly saw a Vogue cover as a significant achievement. Her background in Hollywood, combined with her royal status, seemingly positioned her well for such an opportunity.
However, Vogue’s vision under Anna Wintour reportedly differed. Wintour, known for her high standards, is said to have found Meghan’s image too Hollywood-centric, not aligning perfectly with the magazine’s focus on high fashion. While the royal connection might have initially held some appeal, it ultimately didn’t fit the desired aesthetic.
Despite Meghan’s efforts, including sending mood boards and even offering to guest-edit an issue, Wintour reportedly remained unmoved. The situation culminated in a rejection and, according to reports, a ban from Vogue-related events.
This setback has reportedly been significant for Meghan, who saw the cover as a way to solidify her fashion icon status. The exclusion from Vogue events has been described as a blow to her confidence.
Undeterred, Meghan is reportedly exploring other avenues to showcase her fashion influence. This includes pursuing opportunities with other publications, considering social media strategies, and potentially venturing into influencer marketing.
As Meghan navigates this shift, the fashion world observes with curiosity. This situation highlights the competitive nature of the industry, forcing Meghan to redefine her approach and forge a new path. Her resilience and future endeavors will be closely watched.
In a startling turn of events at Rupert Murdoch’s wedding with Elena Jaava on June 5th, 2024, what was supposed to be a joyous occasion quickly spiraled into chaos and drama when Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, unexpectedly appeared uninvited, attempting to crash the ceremony.Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of pandemonium as Meghan strode into the exclusive chapel where the nuptials were underway. Video footage captured a visibly enraged Murdoch rising from his seat, his face flushed with anger, and marching towards Meghan, shouting, “Get out of here at once! You’re not welcome!” His voice cut through the stunned gasps of the high-society guests present.
Reports indicated Meghan, 42, looked taken aback by Murdoch’s furious reaction but stood her ground, arguing loudly that as a member of the British royal family, she had every right to attend. This only seemed to further enrage Murdoch, 93, who then attempted to physically remove her from the church, grabbing her arm amidst a scuffle that ensued with Meghan’s security team rushing to intervene.
The confrontation caused pandemonium among the guests, with security personnel scrambling to restore order. It took several tense minutes before calm was restored, and a visibly shaken Meghan was escorted off the premises.
The motive behind Meghan’s uninvited appearance remains unclear. Speculation suggests lingering resentment towards Murdoch’s media empire, which has been critical of her and Prince Harry. Others speculate she may have sought attention at a high-profile event. Regardless, Meghan’s disruptive actions drew widespread condemnation.
A spokesperson for Murdoch denounced the incident as an unacceptable privacy violation and disrespect for the sanctity of their wedding celebration. Legal action against Meghan and her security team was being considered.
Despite the disturbance, Murdoch, 93, and Jaava, 39, managed to exchange vows in a subdued ceremony attended by close friends and family. Mrs. Murdoch was seen comforting her visibly shaken husband afterward.
This incident adds to Meghan’s history of controversy since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Her activism and public statements continue to polarize public opinion. Meghan’s uninvited presence at Murdoch’s wedding is expected to fuel further debate and speculation about her actions and potential legal consequences in the aftermath of this dramatic event.
Prince William’s Taylor Swift selfie proves one major thing about him and Princess Kate
The Prince and Princess of Wales were hailed by a royal commentator who described them as an example of how the Royal Family is changing.
Prince William and Princess Kate show a ‘new Royal Family’ emerging (Image: Getty)
The Prince of Wales’s selfie with Taylor Swift proves Prince William and Princess Kate are “triple-A celebs”, as a “new Royal Family” emerges, a royal expert has claimed.
William went viral on social media on Friday, June 21, after he was spotted attending the US superstar’s first concert at London’s Wembley Stadium on his birthday, joined by his two eldest children, Prince George, 10 and Princess Charlotte, nine.
The group, joined by Taylor’s boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason, melted hearts when they met backstage after the show and took a selfie to remember.
Later, Travis and Jason talked on their podcast about how it was an “absolute delight” to meet the royals, with Travis stressing: “Obviously we’re backstage meeting him, he was there with little George and Charlotte. They were an absolute delight to meet. Wasn’t sure if I was supposed to bow to them, curtsy, be an American idiot and shake their hand.”
The NFL player also labelled William the “coolest”, while his brother talked about how Charlotte made the biggest impression on him, describing her as “adorable”.
Taylor Swift sparked a fan frenzy with her royal selfie (Image: Instagram/@taylorswift) Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal newsJoin us on WhatsApp
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Now a royal expert touched down on how significant this meeting was for the Prince and Princess of Wales’s image.
Former royal correspondent Charles Rae told the Sun: “When you meet a member of the royal family you are in effect meeting a triple-A celebrity.
“It blows you away believe me. It happened to me when I first met a member of the royal family as well.
“I’m not surprised Travis was blown away and came out with those sort of comments.”
Meghan Markle is upset that fans keep comparing her to Princess Kate, she vows to make Kate Middleton jealous
Meghan Markle has frequently found herself at the center of public scrutiny, often being compared to her sister-in-law, Princess Kate. This ongoing comparison has reportedly left Meghan feeling overshadowed and envious of the positive attention Kate receives. Sources suggest that Meghan’s frustration is rooted in the strong bond Prince Harry shares with Kate, which has only intensified Meghan’s feelings of being an outsider within the royal family.
Meghan’s jealousy reportedly stems from several factors. For one, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were known to have a sibling-like relationship before Meghan entered the picture. Their close bond and frequent public appearances together highlighted a natural camaraderie that Meghan felt excluded from. This sense of exclusion was compounded by the perception that Kate seamlessly transitioned into her royal role, garnering widespread admiration and support from both the public and the royal family.
In response to these feelings, Meghan has vowed to carve out her own path to success, focusing on her Hollywood career and her podcast centered on successful, independent women. Meghan believes that by excelling in these areas, she can not only redefine her public image but also make Kate envious of her accomplishments outside the royal sphere. Her podcast aims to highlight the stories of inspiring women, showcasing her commitment to female empowerment and leveraging her Hollywood connections to boost her profile.
This determination to outshine Kate in the entertainment world is seen by some as a strategic move to shift the narrative. Meghan’s ambition to succeed in Hollywood and her dedication to promoting women’s stories through her podcast reflect her desire to establish an identity independent of royal comparisons. While the success of these ventures remains to be seen, Meghan’s efforts signal a clear intent to redefine her public persona and gain recognition on her own terms.
In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s reaction to being compared to Princess Kate is driving her to seek success in Hollywood and through her podcast, aiming to create a legacy distinct from her royal associations. This journey reflects her resilience and determination to be seen as a powerful, independent woman beyond the shadow of royal expectations.
Anna Wintour’s Cold Shoulder: Meghan Markle Denied Vogue Cover and Barred from Vogue Paris
Anna Wintour’s decision to deny Meghan Markle a Vogue cover and ban her from Vogue-related events has sent shockwaves through the fashion world.
Meghan Markle’s aspirations for a Vogue cover have reportedly come up short, with fashion insiders buzzing about a potential snub from the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.
The Duchess of Sussex, known for her style influence, reportedly saw a Vogue cover as a significant achievement. Her background in Hollywood, combined with her royal status, seemingly positioned her well for such an opportunity.
However, Vogue’s vision under Anna Wintour reportedly differed. Wintour, known for her high standards, is said to have found Meghan’s image too Hollywood-centric, not aligning perfectly with the magazine’s focus on high fashion. While the royal connection might have initially held some appeal, it ultimately didn’t fit the desired aesthetic.
Despite Meghan’s efforts, including sending mood boards and even offering to guest-edit an issue, Wintour reportedly remained unmoved. The situation culminated in a rejection and, according to reports, a ban from Vogue-related events.
This setback has reportedly been significant for Meghan, who saw the cover as a way to solidify her fashion icon status. The exclusion from Vogue events has been described as a blow to her confidence.
Undeterred, Meghan is reportedly exploring other avenues to showcase her fashion influence. This includes pursuing opportunities with other publications, considering social media strategies, and potentially venturing into influencer marketing.
As Meghan navigates this shift, the fashion world observes with curiosity. This situation highlights the competitive nature of the industry, forcing Meghan to redefine her approach and forge a new path. Her resilience and future endeavors will be closely watched.
Meghan Markle claims she is being bullied by Duchess Kate. She suggests Duchess Kate is ‘deliberately causing a media conflict’ with her over Kate’s return to the launch of Meghan Markle’s new product
As the nation turned its eyes to the pomp and pageantry of Trooping the Colour, celebrating King Charles III’s official birthday with a grand military parade, another event quietly unfolded in the digital realm. Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, unveiled two new tantalizing products: raspberry-flavored jam and dog biscuits.
The timing was impeccable-or controversial, depending on whom you ask. Just hours before Kate Middleton made her much-anticipated royal comeback at Trooping the Colour, a close friend of Markle’s revealed these latest additions to her burgeoning brand.
Polo player Nacho Figueras, known for his association with the Sussexes, shared a series of intriguing photos on his social media account. The images featured a jar of raspberry jam and a box of dog biscuits, both bearing the label of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
The timing of this post raised eyebrows as it coincided with Princess Kate’s
appearance at the Trooping the Colour parade. The internet was abuzz with speculation: Was this a calculated move by the Duchess of Sussex to steal the limelight from her royal counterpart?
Despite the claims of overshadowing, an expert has since clarified that Markle’s business move, seemingly coincidental, bore no malice. “While I am sure the gift packages came with notes requesting social media coverage, you can’t tell Nacho Figueras what to do, so I think it’s certain the timing of his post was his own idea. The larger point here is that the American Riviera Orchard campaign has been phenomenally successful and cost Meghan nothing. It is a textbook social media campaign. The only problem is that there still seems to be nothing actually for sale, so what is it all for? I guess we will find out
This narrative is not new to followers of royal affairs. The Duchess of Sussex has often been pitted against the Princess of Wales in media narratives that thrive on rivalry. Yet, this latest development suggests a more nuanced reality where personal milestones and professional endeavors coexist, even if they occasionally overlap in the public eye.
As American Riviera Orchard continues to expand its offerings, from edible delights to lifestyle products, Meghan Markle cements her role as an entrepreneur with a keen sense for timing-whether by design or coincidence
Meghan Markle receives good news as she gears up for her next podcast venture
Meghan Markle’s financial dreams come true as Prince Harry risks ‘burnout’
Meghan Markle received good news as her financial dreams are set to come true but her husband Prince Harry’s prospects are not promising.
The Duchess of Sussex, as she gears up for her new podcast venture, can expect “luck and success” financially, with a promising deal to promote an entertainment destination.
The prediction was made by celebrity astrologer Inbaal Honigman, who also claimed that while Meghan’s future looks bright, Harry may need to take a step back.
As per The Express, Honigman shared her predictions for the mother-of-two, claiming, “Luck and success on the financial side, Meghan is offered a great financial deal for some very easy work of promoting an entertainment destination.”
However, she added that Harry, the Duke of Sussex, would have to take a break as he could suffer from “burnout” if he does not take a “step back.”
This good news for Meghan comes after she also launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard. She and Harry will also launch two upcoming TV shows for Netflix, one focused on cooking and other on polo.
At his lowest point, Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas considered ending it all. He tells Margaret Hussey howa chance encounter with Prince Harry finally helped him open
Iwan Thomas is opening up about his mental health in his new autobiography (Image: Tony Blake)
I made a living out of being physically big, strong and mentally tough,” says Olympian Iwan Thomas. “But in reality I was falling apart inside. I couldn’t see a way out of theself-hatred and self-loathing.”
In 1997, at just 23, Welsh sprinter Iwan broke the UK 400m record with a time of 44.36 seconds, remaining unbeaten until 2022. He had the world at his feet but a series of setbacks and injuries dogged his career and led him to dark places. Now an advocate for talking openly about mental health, he wants to help others.
Iwan, 50, says: “Breaking that record, everything happened really quickly for me but also everything was taken away quickly. All sorts were coming my way, a Madame Tussauds’ waxwork, MBE, accolades left right and centre. I thought, ‘This is cool, I’ll have years left in me yet’.
“The reality was that that was as good as it was ever going to get. It then started to unravel and injuries set in. I was at a low place, it was horrible. I felt if I suddenly spoke out that I was struggling it would be, ‘Your rivals are now going to think you are not as tough as you say you are and won’t fear you on the track’. I couldn’t really show that side of me, the soft side.
“I always had to try to be the alpha male and the brash one who takes life in his stride.”
Iwan, who won silver at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and gold at the World Championships in 1997, kept punishing his body, hoping he would regain his form. “Athletics was a lot of my identity. Without it I felt I had nothing.
“Would I be important? Would people still like me? Those are all insecurities that I had. I couldn’t let go of being an athlete and I should have retired way before I did. But I kept thinking my body could hold out. In the end it didn’t.”
In his autobiography, Brutal, Iwan writes very movingly about how he was left sobbing, numb, unable to get out of bed. During one of his darkest times, he took a bottle of whisky and walked to the Solent, looking into the water, wanting to disappear. “I think that was my lowest moment,” says Iwan. “If I had spoken to someone about it and shared my anxieties, I would have realised ‘You will be alright, don’t worry. Even if you are not an athlete any more, you will find your way and be OK.’ I’d say to myself now, ‘Put the bottle down, you idiot, go home and tell your mum and dad. They love you’.”
Instead, he was caught up in the self-loathing, thinking: Why me, why am I injured again? “It was horrible,” he adds. “Athletics is very black and white. The stopwatch doesn’t lie. You either run fast or you don’t, there’s no hiding place.”
Eventually, in 2011, he went for counselling. “I went for about a year. I felt I wasn’t really getting anywhere. I remember the counsellor saying, ‘One day it will click. Everything we spoke about will make sense to you’. And it did – about six months after going.”
Another turning point for him was meeting Prince Harry at an event with mental health charity Heads Together in 2016. “It was the weirdest thing. I was there flipping burgers with Prince Harry. I hadn’t ever really spoken about depression or dark times. I suddenly just opened up to him. It was very bizarre but because he was a stranger I felt I could talk to him. He’s been through so much himself, it was easy to talk to him. It opened that tin and allowed me to talk to other people.”
Iwan wishes he’d spoken about his mental health sooner, especially to his friends. “I felt if I went to them and said I’m struggling here, they might ask, ‘What have you got to feel sorry about? You’ve got a nice house, cars’, and all the materialistic rubbish that as a young man I was into. It gave a false picture of where I was at mentally. I felt they would judge me. It couldn’t have been further from the truth.
“It’s a bit of a blokey thing not to talk. But by bottling it up, you’ll feel worse. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, whether you are a member of the Royal family or you drive a taxi. If depression is going to get to you, it’s going to get to you.”
Since retiring Iwan has carved out a successful career as a broadcaster and will be covering the Olympics this year. He also took part in Strictly in 2015, and says exercise remains key to his mental health. Describing himself as a “fairweather runner”, he goes to the gym at least four times a week. “It’s not just for the exercise, but for the companionship, to talk to other people.”
Being a father – he has three sons Teddy, five, Dougie, two, and Bowie, five months, with his partner – has changed everything too. “Having my boys has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love being a dad. It puts a lot into perspective. Having gone through the highs, which were amazing, and also the lowest of lows, has made me more reflective on life, more patient and a better person.”
Meghan Markle’s financial dreams come true as Prince Harry risks ‘burnout’
