Castaway viewers were left in tears after watching Ruby Wax in Castaway last night.
The comedian, 70, opened up about her mental health in her new show in which she's stranded on a desert island in Madagascar for 10 days.
Admitting on camera she was 'out of her depth', Ruby declared 'mental health people are survivors because we know what it's like to be alone'.
After arriving on the island, wielding a machete to cut down trees to build herself a shelter, Ruby stunned viewers with her tenacity.
Fans flocked to Twitter following her candid confession, as one posted: "Castaway with Ruby, what a champion to never giving up and showing strength not resilience. Helping others as she helps herself."
Another said: "I’m in awe of you! Not only an advocacy for women’s mental health but wow that is one hell of an adventure xx."
With a third wrote: "Just watched @Rubywax #castaway wow I don’t even know what to say….thank you for your honesty, braveness (is that even a proper word) I’m in awe."
Ruby concerned fans in January after posting a video from what appeared to be a hospital bed.
The seasoned star, who had wires connected to her chest, held a copy of her latest book: I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, with the caption: "I think it says it all.
“This could be my most honest and raw book to date which feels good, but also a little scary.
“I do hope it might provide some reassurance and guidance for anyone else struggling with their own mental health."
In the book, Ruby explains she was admitted to a mental institution.
Pointing out the visit wasn't on her "agenda", she shared: "I notice they designed [the room] so there's nothing you could hang yourself from. There are no taps on the sink, so water squirts from the wall. No shower head or doorknobs.
"But I'm not thinking about killing myself. I just wish my life would stop. It hurts so much. In case you hadn't realised by now, I'm writing this from a mental institution."
The star talks about her family in her new book, saying that she comes "from a long line of ancestors with various flavours of mental illness".
Revealing there is schizophrenia, bipolar and psychopathy on her father's side of the family, she claims "it seems a no-brainer" she would struggle with her mental health.
However, Ruby was surprised that after "12 years of no depression", she ended up being admitted.
She writes: "But this time the Big Dip snuck up on me and when it did, it struck hard. Depression is the black hole of diseases, where you sit helpless as your mind hammers you with accusations."
• Ruby Wax: Castaway continues on Channel 5 Sunday April 30
