Oti Mabuse’s heartbreaking family loss leaves ITV I’m A Celebrity fans in tears: ‘Floored me’
While this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here only made its debut days ago, there have been plenty of emotional moments, with the latest instalment leaving fans in tears once again.
On Wednesday’s episode of the ITV reality show, the group’s chat about mental health led to former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse sharing her experience of a heartbreaking loss.
It came as McFly star Danny Jones became tearful when he opened up on his battle with anxiety and panic attacks.
The 38-year-old broke down as he admitted: “I think I escaped a lot,” when asked when his mental health battle started.
Comforting the musician, Tulisa Contostavlos commented: “It’s really good to let it out and it’s really brave to be vulnerable, people respect it.”
The chat prompted Mabuse, 34, to share a family tragedy as she applauded Jones for speaking openly about his struggles.
“I think it’s really good that you keep saying people must talk, especially young boys,” the dancer stated.
The mother-of-one continued: “I don’t think young boys tend to talk that much and the suicide rate is so high in young men especially – so I think it’s important that you keep telling people to talk about it.”
Following a pause, she went on to add: “I had a brother who committed suicide when he was 16, and I think if he had spoken to someone about what he was feeling, it would’ve been a different turn out.
“Especially in our culture, we don’t really open up.”
Detailing the ways her family continue to grieve her brother, she added: “Every year we celebrate his birthday, but it’s the people that are still left with the aftermath that feel it every single day and you have to go out in the world and be strong and happy and bubbly and positive… But it’s tough.”
Becoming tearful, she continued: “So if you don’t talk about it, no matter how frustrating it is and if you don’t get those feelings out, if you don’t seek the help, it’s hurtful for you – as well as the people around you that love you.”
Admiring Mabuse’s candid admission, Contostavlos replied: “I think you’re amazing at that Oti, you go out everyday, your energy is so positive and so light. That’s like your superpower.”
Fans watching the conversation unfold also became emotional, with many taking to X to share how touched they had been left.
One wrote: “I found it moving Oti Mabuse opening up about her brother committing suicide. A good listener. Lovely lady x.”
“I’m crying along with them #imaceleb,” a second posted.
“Not me crying at another episode #ImACeleb,” someone else confessed.
Another noted: “Barry’s daughter. Colleen’s sister. GK getting bullied. Danny anxiety. Oti’s brother. It’s only day four. Didn’t expect this series to be so deep. #ImACeleb.”
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Danny Jones opens up to Camp about his experiences of anxiety 🫶 #ImACeleb #BritainGetTalking pic.twitter.com/sv5kf4qYL6
— I’m A Celebrity… (@imacelebrity) November 20, 2024
“That Oti admission has floored me. Is that first time she has mentioned her brother? #ImACeleb,” another viewer asked.
Another fan penned: “Powerful viewing on #imaceleb tonight with Danny and Oti’s mental health talk. So important. Tulisa is also such a supportive individual, love her. #unpacked.”
“Seeing Danny open up like that about his anxiety what he went through and Oti as well with her brother is so brave. It’s so important to seek out some guidance help and support if you need it #ImACeleb,” another pointed out. (sic)
The moving moment came just a couple of days after former boxing star Barry McGuigan broke down in tears as he talked about the loss of his daughter.
While the campmates seem to be supporting each other well, the group are certainly going hungry at the moment after the last two Bushtucker Trials have seen scant results in the way of meals earned.
In Wednesday’s trial, GK Barry and Dean McCullough failed to collect any stars as they both panicked during the challenge, with McCullough once again voted to take on tomorrow’s task.
