Top News

Scottish TV personality Gail Porter has opened up on how she previously avoided going to Hampstead Heath for a long time. The 54-year-old, who found fame on children's TV, admitted that the popular London beauty spot triggered memories of her being homeless and sleeping rough.

After bouts of depression, anorexia and self-harm, the 54-year-old TV presenter hit rock bottom in 2014 after an unexpected tax bill ruined her financially. The former Top of the Pops star had to spend a "couple of nights" on a bench in Hampstead Heath, and moved between friends' sofas and spare rooms for months before she got back on her feet. Gail bounced back but would avoid the public space because of the painful memories of that time, but now she is strong enough to visit the idyllic spot once more. Speaking to BANG Showbiz, Gail shared why she avoided the London park. She said: "I did for a while because I got anxious. I was very lucky to be homeless on a really nice bench. It was only for a couple of nights there because I was sofa surfing.

"I get more anxious when I get my letter from the tax man through, or when I get the council tax bill. That makes me anxious all the time.

"But, yeah, I did have the fear [of going to Hampstead Heath], but then I thought, 'No. This is an irrational fear.'"

Gail suffered from a severe mental health crisis back in 2012 and called the Samaritans after doctors "would not listen to her". Now, she is working with the charity as an ambassador and is fronting the charity's Bring Someone's Future Back winter campaign.

Speaking about the Samaritans, Gail - who has a 22-year-old daughter called Honey with her 50-year-old ex-husband, Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave - said: "There are certain places that you go to, and they don't give you proper information, and the thing about the Samaritans is they listen.

"Whereas sometimes, when I was asking for help when I was not feeling mentally great, I was just getting pushed from pillar to post, [doctors kept saying] 'Take tablets.'

"But with the Samaritans, I got someone who genuinely seemed to care what I was saying. And it was like a huge lift off my shoulder, not being judged. And it was nice and very comforting."

Earlier this year, Gail opened up about her incredible transformation after years of heartbreak, homelessness, and health struggles, saying she's finally "100% happy."

A £10 donation can ensure that a Samaritan is there to answer a life-saving call for help. You can find out more and donate by visiting samaritans.org/donate.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.