Dannielle Westbrook was praised by viewers as she made an appearance on This Morning. The former EastEnders star appeared live on the ITV daytime programme to chat to Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary about her new book.
She also opened up about how she is the happiest she has ever been after quitting drugs which have blighted much of her life and career over the years. Danniella told the hosts: "I'm happy to be alive after everything I've put myself through. I'm just so excited to hit 50. I'm waiting to be a nanny, hopefully."
The actress, who celebrates her milestone birthday next year, added: "I'm just so happy with this chapter that I'm in." She added: "And I think I just needed to get there myself, but it was just learning to like me a little bit."
Alison, 47, then asked her: "And how have you done that?" to which Danniella replied: I'm working through lots of stuff still, but putting the drugs down was hard, but keeping the ego down too. It's a really hard balance but for me. I found a fantastic therapist, she said you need to deal with this and this and this, and own your c**p and I said 'no'.
"She said 'you need to,' and Idid a lot of inner child work, spiritual therapy. For me at 8 and 9 years old, coming into the studio here, into this building, is hard for me because of growing up here in the industry. But I worked on that stuff and it's behind me."
Danniella, who portrayed Sam Mitchell on EastEnders on and off from 1990 until 2016 and was replaced by Kim Medcalf in the role, has been honest about her past addiction issues. She spoke to Alison and Dermot about how she attends free 12 Steps meetings to keep control of her sobriety.
"You don’t need to go to rehab. All they’re going to do is detox you, you need to get to a meeting," she said during her chat. And when quizzed on her love life by Alison, the former soap star had the perfect response.
She replied: I’m in love with myself, Alison, for the first time. I am with someone but I’m just happy, happy with who I am."
This Morning viewers were soon commenting on social media about how pleased they were to see Danniella in a good place. @snoopsaj tweeted: "Shes such a survivor i love her honesty #ThisMorning." @LadyElizaDee said: "Lovely to see you are keeping well, looking fabulous too. Thank you so much for talking about addictions, it will help those who need it xxx @westbrookdanni #ThisMorning."
@JimmyFunky commented: "Say what you may, addiction is an evil master. She seems articulate, bright and happy, Good on her #ThisMorning." @Ash_470 shared: "A woman who never ever gives up. I'm so pleased you've found your happy place again @westbrookdanni #ThisMorning."
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