TV star Eamonn Holmes has paid tribute to Denise Van Outen for speaking out about her sex tape ordeal.
The Belfast broadcaster says Denise, 47, was “brave” for revealing details about what happened in a new book called A Bit Of Me.
Speaking on GB News this morning he said: “This is a really important story and an important issue and good on Denise for raising awareness about it.
Read more: Eamonn Holmes on how North Belfast is 'the fabric of his life'
"It’s awful what she's gone through and more needs to be done to ensure those responsible for this kind of thing are punished. I know someone else in the public eye who was secretly recorded and we probably don’t talk about this enough.”
Eamonn ’s comments come after TV favourite Denise revealed she was the victim of a horrifying covert sex tape at 15.
The Gogglebox star was filmed without her knowledge by an older man while they had sex.
Denise, now 47, relives the ordeal in a new book and said: “I realised it’s more common than ever and it has to change.
“I’m a mum to a 12-year-old girl and I hope talking about my own experiences, good and bad, will both highlight the problems and set a good example to her.”
West End star Denise finally opted to speak about her traumatic experience, which took place in the late 1980s, after seeing a similar incident involving two reality TV stars.
And she admits her ordeal has been a major trauma in her life since.
She discusses her recent heartbreak after splitting from Gogglebox star fiancé Eddie Boxshall, who she discovered had been seeing other women.
Denise, whose former husband Lee Mead is dad to their daughter Betsy, added: “I’m trying to be reflective, but mostly I want my daughter to look at my life and see me as a good example. I wanted her to see me strong, and understand the importance of prioritising self worth.”
She's been a fixture on the showbiz scene for more than three decades – the glamorous party girl with the lifestyle women dreamed of and who men wanted to be with.
But now for the first time after writing her autobiography and reflecting on her rollercoaster life, Denise van Outen reveals all about the highs and lows of her career in the spotlight.
She covers her high-profile romance with rocker Jay Kay and parties with A-listers Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
Read more: Eamonn Holmes say he's open to working with wife Ruth Langsford again
Read more: Eamonn Holmes warns fans shingles 'horror' could leave you blind
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
