Danniella Westbrook has been reflecting on the ups and downs of her life and career and admits she has the lowest of lows to thank for her current success.
The 48-year-old soap actress has had a troubled past that has featured extreme drug addiction – with her nose falling apart due to cocaine abuse.
The star has also struggled with her health – being misdiagnosed when she developed womb cancer, before being given the all clear in 2019.
Getting reflective on Instagram on Monday, Danniella – who has previously said she has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and paranoia schizophrenia – says her life struggles have made her stronger.
In a detailed post, Danniella wrote: “Today I am grateful for my journey my life my mistakes and the fact I’ve made them and faced them publicly…. People criticize me ridicule me judge me and throw hate at me … and it’s all ok.
“People are entitled to have an opinion and also freedom of speech. And I actually would like to thank people for throwing stones at me because without some of that hate I may well not be sat here today writing my third book.
“The glass is always half full never half empty people remember that no matter how hard life gets … and the fact I’ve made my mistakes and had to live my car crash addiction days so publicly is actually a blessing because it enables me to use my platform to let others that are suffering theirs in silence privately read my story and know they are not alone and that a new way of life is possible.”
She concluded: “So my third book is currently under way and both myself and @socialinspiregroup look forward to sharing it with you all soon . Much love always Westie.”
Earlier this month, Danniella was left distraught when her bank account was shut down without warning.
The star revealed to fans that all her bank accounts had been closed due to her bad credit – with Monzo being her last account to rely on before they shut her account down too.
Taking to Twitter to tell her tale, the ex-EastEnders star said: "I’ve been with Monzo for years and at 7am, I get a text saying my accounts being closed. Yet no one can tell me why.
"I suffer mental health anxiety and I’m currently in hospital.
“I have bad credit and no other bank will give me an account and you won’t tell me why it’s being closed."
And in another tweet, Danniella said that the people who were behind closing her bank account ruined her day.
"If you wanna wake up to bad news, anxiety and no straight answer from anyone, then just join Monzo. They are just amazing at screwing up your day."
Danniella's bank troubles came hot on the heels of speculation her iconic character, Sam Mitchell, was going to be recast with a different actress playing the role.
Addressing the speculation earlier this month, the star showed no hard feelings as she wrote online: "The @bbceastenders have not contacted me to say they are re casting or if they have. But that’s ok. Who plays Sam next I wish all the luck in the world to. Enjoy. #outwiththeoldinwiththenew."
