John Whaite says his sister has inspired him to go sober after her own battle with alcohol addiction.
The Strictly Come Dancing star appeared on Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch today to make his very special lemonade waffles, but as the show opened, him and the rest of the stars were asked what women inspire them to mark International Women's Day.
John praised his sister Victoria Cunningham for "pulling herself up from the depths of hell" after a tough battle with alcohol addiction, depression and mental health, as he revealed how much she had inspired him to change his own life.
Asked who inspires him, he said: "My sister, for me I think, Victoria - she is the most inspiring woman I've ever known. She's been through some really dark places in the past three years.
"She's battled with alcohol and depression and mental health issues and when the world turned its back on here, she pulled herself up from the depths of hell. Through exercise - she's opened a gym, she's become a personal trainer, she's really turned her life around. I'm so proud of her - she's inspired me to go sober as well, she's in her third of year sobriety this year. I love her so much."
He also turned to the camera and sent a sweet message directly to his sister.
"You inspire so many people every day Victoria and I love you from the bottom of my heart," he added as the others in the studio clapped John for his sweet tribute and praised Victoria's big life changes.
John made a public plea for help back in 2019 when his sister vanished in Portugal.
The Great British Bake Off star revealed at the time his sister was struggling with her mental health, and in an emotional video he said: "My sister has severe mental health issues. She has depression, and she has been diagnosed by a consultant specialist in the field of female hormonal health as having PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder which is a disorder whereby she'll go pretty much insane during the week before and during her period.
"The result of these illnesses is that sometimes she goes on binges of drink and drugs, during which she'll sometimes show signs of self-harm and threaten to attempt suicide. She's vulnerable and at risk to herself. We love her dearly and just want her home."
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
*If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
