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Archive February 19, 2025

Ben Fogle turned into a ‘control freak’ as loss of stillborn son led to mental breakdown

Ben Fogle, a TV star, has heartbreakingly described how his stillborn son’s birth caused a mental health crisis.

The broadcaster, 51, admitted he turned into a “control freak” after the death of son Willem in 2014. He thinks that his breakdown eventually resulted in him having suicidal thoughts. At 33 weeks, Ben’s wife Marina was rushed to an Austrian hospital where she delivered their stillborn son.

At the time, Ben was in Canada, miles away from his wife. The couple have sadly had a miscarriage in 2008 before the birth of their son Ludo, 15, and daughter Iona, 14. Williem’s devastating loss has been revealed by Ben, who admitted that Marina was “very raw” with her emotions while keeping them “inside.”

Speaking of his emotions, Ben said: “Mine were much more measured, it doesn’t mean I felt it any less, but I probably kept them within, and one of the big things that happened to me was that I became obsessed about control, because I’d lost control there. I had to take a flight back to Canada when it happened.

When wife Marina was rushed to the hospital at 33 weeks pregnant, Ben was in Canada (Instagram).

“I didn’t know if my wife was going to survive. It was like one of the periods in my life, I’ve had a few, when I had lost all control”, he told The Sun. Ben revealed that he had been undergoing a regimented course of therapy and medication to manage his mental health last year after sharing his experiences with anxiety and paranoia.

“A year ago, I experienced a mental health crisis. An episode. A storm. A blip. I don’t know if there is a specific term for it but it was basically a burnt out, breakdown”, he began his emotional post on Instagram. I’ve been on quite a journey since. I’ve learnt a lot about my neurological uniqueness.

“And I’ve navigated the storm. Through a mix of CBT, medicine, and now some alternative therapies I feel like my old self”, Ben explained, adding that he had managed to say goodbye to the “crippling paranoia and anxiety”. I’m telling you this first because I think it’s important to share our flaws with others who also share our successes.

” It is not to jump on some trend or for sympathy. Because I can happen to you if it does to me. But similar to what I have experienced, such as a pneumonia-ravaged lung or even a flesh-eating bug. We can heal. They don’t define us or make us weak. They prove that we are human. unable to handle modern life’s demands.

The increasingly complex world in which we live should not serve as a stigma, but rather as a reality check. I’ve found that simplifying my life and living less has helped me. Less social media. Less work and less striving for perfection are the outcomes. Stress less. Anger less Fixate less. More time has restored my perspective to reality. To being me. I’ve always been exactly the same person. Simple. Love, peace and simplicity”, he concluded.

After the crisis, Ben, who was later diagnosed with ADHD, admitted to considering suicide after spending a night at a “rural pub in the Cotswolds,” in a “rural pub in the Cotswolds.” He thought suicide was his only option, which he now brands as “one of the scariest experiences of]his] life”.

Advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity) if you have been affected by this tale. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org. uk

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.

Ben Fogle turned into a ‘control freak’ as loss of stillborn son led to mental breakdown

Ben Fogle, a TV star, has heartbreakingly described how his stillborn son’s birth caused a mental health crisis.

The broadcaster, 51, admitted he turned into a “control freak” after the death of son Willem in 2014. He thinks that his breakdown eventually resulted in him having suicidal thoughts. At 33 weeks, Ben’s wife Marina was rushed to an Austrian hospital where she delivered their stillborn son.

At the time, Ben was in Canada, miles away from his wife. The couple have sadly had a miscarriage in 2008 before the birth of their son Ludo, 15, and daughter Iona, 14. Williem’s devastating loss has been revealed by Ben, who admitted that Marina was “very raw” with her emotions while keeping them “inside.”

Speaking of his emotions, Ben said: “Mine were much more measured, it doesn’t mean I felt it any less, but I probably kept them within, and one of the big things that happened to me was that I became obsessed about control, because I’d lost control there. I had to take a flight back to Canada when it happened.

When wife Marina was rushed to the hospital at 33 weeks pregnant, Ben was in Canada (Instagram).

“I didn’t know if my wife was going to survive. It was like one of the periods in my life, I’ve had a few, when I had lost all control”, he told The Sun. Ben revealed that he had been undergoing a regimented course of therapy and medication to manage his mental health last year after sharing his experiences with anxiety and paranoia.

“A year ago, I experienced a mental health crisis. An episode. A storm. A blip. I don’t know if there is a specific term for it but it was basically a burnt out, breakdown”, he began his emotional post on Instagram. I’ve been on quite a journey since. I’ve learnt a lot about my neurological uniqueness.

“And I’ve navigated the storm. Through a mix of CBT, medicine, and now some alternative therapies I feel like my old self”, Ben explained, adding that he had managed to say goodbye to the “crippling paranoia and anxiety”. I’m telling you this first because I think it’s important to share our flaws with others who also share our successes.

” It is not to jump on some trend or for sympathy. Because I can happen to you if it does to me. But similar to what I have experienced, such as a pneumonia-ravaged lung or even a flesh-eating bug. We can heal. They don’t define us or make us weak. They prove that we are human. unable to handle modern life’s demands.

The increasingly complex world in which we live should not serve as a stigma, but rather as a reality check. I’ve found that simplifying my life and living less has helped me. Less social media. Less work and less striving for perfection are the outcomes. Stress less. Anger less Fixate less. More time has restored my perspective to reality. To being me. I’ve always been exactly the same person. Simple. Love, peace and simplicity”, he concluded.

After the crisis, Ben, who was later diagnosed with ADHD, admitted to considering suicide after spending a night at a “rural pub in the Cotswolds,” in a “rural pub in the Cotswolds.” He thought suicide was his only option, which he now brands as “one of the scariest experiences of]his] life”.

Advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity) if you have been affected by this tale. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org. uk

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.

Melanie Sykes calls Gino D’Acampo “a monster” as she slams TV industry for enabling “misogynistic” talent

Melanie Sykes, 55, has waded into the Gino D’Acampo scandal, claiming the TV industry has “created monsters”.

As new allegations of misconduct are surface against This Morning chef Gino, the presenter urged executives to take responsibility and fire those who contribute to a sexist culture, saying she quit after working with Gregg Wallace.

From 2011 to 2014, Melanie and Gino co-starred in the ITV daytime program Let’s Do Lunch with Gino &amp, Mel. Gino cooked the shows while Melanie presided over the presenting, with guests from famous people each episode.

However, Melanie abruptly retired from television in 2021 after Gregg Wallace made an inappropriate comment. The TV star criticized executives for giving such figures a platform, particularly on the game show Celebrity Juice, where Gino was a regular fixture. She also made an out against the celebrity chef.

Melanie Sykes has criticised Gino D’Acampo and the TV industry, calling for a significant clean-up (TV Grab) of the two.

Melanie said on her YouTube channel: “Celebrity Juice was an abomination, the industry creates monsters. Gino once told me that he didn’t need a meeting because he could just go up to the authorities and knock on the door and enter. He was very pleased that he could accomplish that.

I recall having to fight through an industry that didn’t feel right to me anyway for 24 years. I feel like I was in a war zone in that industry. If you’re spending all your time cleaning up people’s s***, just clean the house, clean out the house and start again, that’s all I’m saying. “

Melanie also disclosed that, instead of properly addressing the situation, bosses sent Gino to etiquette training. She said:” Years ago there was some kind of rumblings about the presenter that everybody’s talking about at the moment, went to some kind of etiquette media training because he’s Italian and the translation, he’s not quite getting it… it’s an insult to Italians. a foolish strategy for handling it. A very narrow-minded, dumb**s way of responding to bad behaviour from a human being in the workspace. “

In an earlier this month ITV News investigation, Gino was charged with “distressing” and “sexually inappropriate behavior. Dozens of people have detailed experiences described variously as” unacceptable, “” distressing “and” horrendous “while working with him over a period spanning more than 12 years.

The TV chef, who has appeared on shows like Gino and Fred: Emission Impossible and Family Fortunes on ITV, is accused of having been around for more than ten years. If individuals ever mention their alleged encounters with the 48-year-old, they are said to have been afraid of any consequences.

Gino has been accused of 'distressing' and 'sexually inappropriate' behaviour in an ITV News probe earlier this month
In an earlier this month (ITV) ITV News investigation, Gino was accused of “distressing” and “sexually inappropriate” behavior.

Gino has” firmly denied “the allegations made by” dozens “of people”, adding that they were “deeply upsetting”. An investigation revealed that a woman who was identified as Hannah to protect her identity was the subject of vulgar comments made by Gino in 2011.

She claims Mr D’Acampo said he would “like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter”. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, claims that the crew members laughed at his statement. But she says she saw the “shock” and “horror”, claiming his alleged behaviour made her feel “very, very, very small”.

Hannah continued, “I definitely saw it as some sort of power play,” she told ITV News Correspondent Sejal Karia. The very act of what he said was aggressive. He didn’t consider that to be inappropriate.

In response, Gino’s legal representatives told the outlet: “This allegation from almost 15 years ago has never, until now via a media request for comment, been raised or put to Mr D’Acampo. He does not recall it, nor accept that this happened. Mr. D’Acampo is horrified to be accused of “power play” and “aggressive act.” He emphatically and unequivocally denies these allegations”.

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New-look Wakefield cast off old image on Super League return

SWPIX

Previously, arriving at Wakefield’s Belle Vue home felt like entering a time warp.

Without the affectionately titled “Benidorm flats” corporate boxes, the setting that Richard Harris’ 1963 classic This Sporting Life featured was the very same one that was seen almost 60 years later. The faded blue, white and red paintwork, the ageing outhouse toilets, the tired concrete paddock steps.

It evoked a bygone era in my mind. Trinity had a successful sepia year, but the team had no idea what the ground might have looked like.

Although legends like Derek “Rocky” Turner, Harold Poynton, and the infamous Fox brothers had carried Wakefield to Wembley glory and silverware, they were far back in the past.

Change seemed to be a possibility. But, in an unlikely sequence of events, it has.

Wakefield Trinity has a vibe about the place, a buzz, a crackle of energy and excitement. There is a rapidly improving stadium, complete with new multi-purpose stand.

They had to turn backwards in order to advance, but now that they have been re-admired to Super League in 2025, there is a spring in their step.

Their first-round victory at Leeds prepares them for Hull KR’s return to top-flight rugby on Saturday.

New owners, new outlook

It is undeniable to say that owner Matt Ellis has come in and transformed Wakefield.

The owner and fan of the kitchen business has altered the mindset, updated the facilities, and most importantly, selected the right football players to help the team achieve success.

Due to being expelled from Super League in 2023, Trinity had to resurrect and regroup, clearing the personnel side of the organization.

His main objective was to bring in a coach with a track record of helping struggling clubs emerge from difficult situations, a coach who had transformed Castleford from cannon fodder to contenders.

Daryl Powell was the target, and Ellis got him on board, following the 59-year-old’s departure from a tough stint at Warrington.

“To start with a blank canvas and go again, I didn’t need to reinvent myself but I needed to re-energise myself”, Powell told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Last year we built a squad eventually that was outstanding, we worked hard. Ste Mills, who I first worked with, was one of the first people I hired, and being able to focus completely on that has been awesome.

Jermaine McGillvary is embraced by Tommy Doyle and Iain Thornley after scoring a try for WakefieldSWPIX

“The whole thing, Matt’s attitude toward a club that needed to be rebuilt completely, was perfect for me,” said one fan. “I’m glad to be having another chance with a great group of people to try their hand at Super League.”

The new East Stand was conceived thanks to Michael Carter, John Minards, and the previous administration’s efforts, but Ellis has expanded on those efforts by improving Wakefield’s facilities. There are also plans to renovate and improve.

“A whole lot has changed, the stadium itself is a huge change and some of that was down to the previous owners, who did some work there, but Matt is making sure it’s the whole stadium”, Powell added.

Bringing back pride, and old favourites

After winning the 1895 Cup competition’s Wakefield won a Wembley final, won the Championship, and defeated Toulouse in the aforementioned raucous Grand Final night at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in October, Wakefield made its comeback to Super League.

The stadium’s improvements, Ellis’ investment, and the turf’s success all contributed to Trinity’s ability to meet the IMG points and criteria for a top-flight return.

The club was informed of the news while the squad was traveling to Dublin after the post-season, which meant Powell’s all-time favorite tidbit tasted even better.

Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken, both of whom had been signed from Catalans Dragons, were already candidates with these goals in mind.

Johnstone, 29, was a particularly sweet coup for Trinity, as it meant a homegrown player was back in their midst, having scored 87 tries in 116 games in his first stint.

“The main thing for me is the mindset of the club, they want to succeed”, Johnstone told BBC Sport. “It used to be, every year, ‘ let’s not finish bottom’. Now it’s ‘ we want to win’.

Wakefield winger Tom Johnstone is tackled high around the chest by Leeds centre Harry Newman as he tries to seek support with the ball tucked under his armSWPIX

Wakefield are eager to make an impact with Johnstone’s return, and future retention will be based on a core of self-produced talent as well as outside recruitment.

” We don’t want players like Tom Johnstone or Corey Hall to leave, “underlines Powell”. If young players enter the system, we want to keep them there and ensure that they can compete to win things within our responsibilities.

Any team can face a challenge, according to the saying “We can be a challenge.”

Wakefield’s 14-12 victory over Leeds on Saturday suggested they had the ingredients to compete for the Super League in 2025.

Max Jowitt has taken his 2024 form, which saw him break points-scoring records at Trinity, into the new season and Trueman looked revitalised and, most importantly, fit, having been reunited with old Castleford mentor Powell.

Fans were present for Headingley’s Western Terrace on Thursday, and even more are expected to walk through the turnstiles to greet their Trinity heroes and raise the heat for the season’s runners-up.

Every time we travel home, “we want our fans to create that atmosphere,” Powell continued.

We know what it is, but we’re confident we can go and be a challenge for any team we play against in this Hull KR round-two game, even though Leeds is a fair old challenge five days away.

We won’t win every game, but we will do so with the same spirit of victory.

Related topics

  • Wakefield Trinity
  • Rugby League

Ruth Langsford’s go-to gentle but effective exfoliator hailed a ‘lifesaver’ by shoppers

Nothing can compare to a night spent pampering yourself, and Ruth Langsford seems to be a big fan of doing so. The presenter shared a quick peek at her skincare routine on Instagram recently, writing: “Bit of pamper time this morning”! as she savored a soothing face mask.

The Loose Women host also shared a photo of Liz Earle Superskin Microdermabrasion Polish, which she captioned “My Fave skin polish.” The lesser-known Superskin Microdermabrasion Polish has been receiving some impressive customer reviews, despite the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish having received a lot of buzz online.

READ MORE: Anti-ageing face cream that smoothed shoppers ‘ saggy neck within 48 hours ‘ is back in stock

READ MORE: This £12 glycolic acid stick is going viral for helping get rid of dry, cracked heels

You can currently snap up the Superskin Microdermabrasion Polish at LookFantastic, where it’s on sale down from £32 to £25.60, or at Boots, where it’s still full price but you can use the code LIZEARLE10 to save £10 on orders over £35. The exfoliator combines physical exfoliants with naturally occurring ones to give a thorough clean, leaving skin soft and smooth while still feeling gentle.

Ruth treated herself to a pamper at home (Ruth Langsford/Instagram)
Ruth Langsford Liz Earle exfoliator
Ruth said the Liz Earle exfoliator was one of her ‘ faves ‘ (Ruth Langsford/Instagram)

It contains ultra-fine volcanic pumice crystals and AHAs that are both naturally produced by fruit enzymes and work together to remove impurities and dead skin cells. Shea butter and rosehip oil then hydrate your skin to a brilliant shine and smooth texture while also providing super soft skin.

LookFantastic shoppers have praised it, with one saying: “Love this product, really feels like it’s doing its job, whilst still feeling gentle on the skin”.

Another remarked, “Your skin looks and feels incredible after a little bit, and it’s worth it.” Not keen on smell though”.

Meanwhile over at Boots, one shopper praised: “This is a lifesaver. works well and brightens skin. This exfoliator is gentle and effective despite the harshness of some exfoliators.

Whilst another wrote: “I’ve been buying this product for several years &amp, love it, using it once a week. It makes my skin feel clean, fresh &amp, young. I wouldn’t be without it”.

The UnScrub from Paula’s Choice, £32, a gentle exfoliator, has been specially made for sensitive skin using natural dissolvable jojoba beads, which gently cleanse and polish skin, leaving it silky soft and dry-free without any redness or dryness. A water-activated exfoliant that transforms into a creamy foam for a non-abrasive exfoliation that doesn’t strip any of your skin’s natural moisture, Tatcha also offers a gentler version of its $64 Rice Polish.

Woods suffers ’embarrassing’ yardage mix-up in TGL

Getty Images

One of the most embarrassing moments in my golfing career was described by Tiger Woods as “one of the yardage mix-up that caused a yardage mistake that caused a laugh in TGL team-mates Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim.

The 49-year-old, playing for the Jupiter Links team in the partially virtual indoor tournament, left himself 199 yards to the hole on the 13th after his tee shot.

However, a mix-up between Woods and his caddie meant the 15-time major winner chose a wedge to hit his next shot 99 yards – leaving him 100 yards short.

A confused Woods immediately sought out his caddie, while team-mates Kisner and Kim rolled on the floor laughing.

Woods was able to get his caddie to say “99,” but caddies frequently drop the first number because it seems obvious.

“One of the most embarrassing moments in my golfing career just happened”, said Woods.

“I just screwed up. That was embarrassing”.

The incident occurred as New York Golf Club resoundingly defeated Jupiter Links 10-3.

It was Woods ‘ first appearance since he announced the death of his mother, Kultida, on 4 February.

Woods ‘ 16-year-old son, Charlie, accompanied him as he walked out for Tuesday’s event at the SoFi Center in California.

Related topics

  • Golf