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Gogglebox's Chris Ashby-Steed reveals he felt suicidal after row with Stephen Webb


Gogglebox’s Chris Ashby-Steed ‘was suicidal’ after leaving the show amid row with co-star Stephen Webb… as he SLAMS reality show after-care while honouring late Mike Thalassitis

  • A show spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Chris has not contacted us since he made the decision to leave the show. The duty of care of the Gogglebox contributors is of paramount importance’, while Stephen declined to comment

Ciara Farmer For Mailonline

Gogglebox star Chris Ashby-Steed has discussed his battle with mental health after falling out with his co-star Stephen Webb and leaving the hit show.

The TV star, 42, was removed from the show and replaced with Stephen’s mum last year, a move he admits left him suicidal, as he told the Mirror: ‘There have been times where I’ve felt so low that I think, “How can I kill myself?”‘

His admission comes shortly after he paid tribute to late Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, who was found dead in woodland near his north London home on Saturday, while criticising the after-care provided on reality TV.

Cruel: Gogglebox star Chris Ashby-Steed (right) has discussed his battle with mental health after falling out with his co-star Stephen Webb (left) and leaving the hit show

Cruel: Gogglebox star Chris Ashby-Steed (right) has discussed his battle with mental health after falling out with his co-star Stephen Webb (left) and leaving the hit show

Cruel: Gogglebox star Chris Ashby-Steed (right) has discussed his battle with mental health after falling out with his co-star Stephen Webb (left) and leaving the hit show

Chris’ admission comes days after Mike’s death, which has sparked furious debate about the after-care provided to reality stars when their time in the spotlight is done.

The Gogglebox star fell out with his co-star Stephen after the latter allegedly pulled out of a joint TV venture with a scathing email about terminating their contract.

Before sharing his version of events, Chris posted on Twitter: ‘A year on, I’ve finally had the courage to stand up to a bully and start to tell the story of how @Stephenwebb71 forced me off @C4Gogglebox and how it’s affected my mental health since. Hopefully, the truth of my story will help others who are struggling.’

In his interview, Chris explained: ‘Originally Stephen and I decided we were going to break away from Gogglebox together. We had a production company that was interested in taking us on. They wanted to get us out there as a brand…

Heartache: The TV star, 42, was removed from the show and replaced with Stephen's mum last year, a move he admits left him suicidal, as he told the Mirror : 'There have been times where I’ve felt so low that I think, "How can I kill myself?" (pictured in 2017)

Heartache: The TV star, 42, was removed from the show and replaced with Stephen's mum last year, a move he admits left him suicidal, as he told the Mirror : 'There have been times where I’ve felt so low that I think, "How can I kill myself?" (pictured in 2017)

Heartache: The TV star, 42, was removed from the show and replaced with Stephen’s mum last year, a move he admits left him suicidal, as he told the Mirror : ‘There have been times where I’ve felt so low that I think, “How can I kill myself?” (pictured in 2017)

Shocking: His admission comes shortly after he paid tribute to late Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, who was found dead in woodland near his north London home on Saturday, while criticising the after-care provided on reality TV

Shocking: His admission comes shortly after he paid tribute to late Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, who was found dead in woodland near his north London home on Saturday, while criticising the after-care provided on reality TV

Shocking: His admission comes shortly after he paid tribute to late Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, who was found dead in woodland near his north London home on Saturday, while criticising the after-care provided on reality TV

‘But Stephen decided to copy me in to an email to the studio saying he was going to terminate our joint venture. After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it…

‘Then the studio called and said they would like to offer us the position back on Gogglebox. I spoke to Stephen and his attitude was “I’m not sure I can put up with you every other week filming”. Which was a bit of a blow.’ 

He has joined by a legion of reality stars who have criticised reality show producers for failing to properly care for their subjects following the show. 

Painful: 'But Stephen decided to copy me in to an email to the studio saying he was going to terminate our joint venture. After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it' (pictured in November 2017)

Painful: 'But Stephen decided to copy me in to an email to the studio saying he was going to terminate our joint venture. After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it' (pictured in November 2017)

Painful: ‘But Stephen decided to copy me in to an email to the studio saying he was going to terminate our joint venture. After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it’ (pictured in November 2017)

He penned: My thoughts go out to the family of @MikeThalassitis. Others are raising questions about reality aftercare. Totally agree…

‘I’ve had none since being bullied off @C4Gogglebox & contemplated suicide last year. I’m now realising it’s an industry-wide failing. This has got to change’.

Despite his comments, a representative for Channel 4 told MailOnline: ‘Chris has not contacted us since he made the decision to leave the show. The duty of care of the Gogglebox contributors is of paramount importance



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