Vanessa Feltz is “touched to her soul” by strangers’ messages following the split from her love-cheat fiancé.
Since ending her relationship with singer Ben Ofoedu, which began in 2005, TV host Vanessa has spent hours online chatting and replying to well-wishers.
Writing on her 61st birthday in her Yours magazine column, she said: “I’ve been showered with support and virtually hugged by thousands of lovely strangers. In the long, lonely hours when I have no hope of sleep, I read every single message and often reply.
“A stranger has thought to make time to reach out and hold me. I am touched to my very soul.”
The radio DJ added: “To everyone going through the same thing I send a kiss, a cuddle and a squeeze. We have got this. We will survive.”
She and Phats & Small star Ben, 50, broke up after she alleged he had been unfaithful with several different women.
Vanessa, a mum of two adult daughters, said: “As an agony aunt I have said many times that once the trust in a relationship is gone, it can never be repaired or regained. So I have to take my own advice.”
Ben said: “I was wrong... I betrayed the love of my life! She gave me another chance. I’ve gone and destroyed that.”
But this weekend Vanessa delighted fans with a video of herself on a beach in Ireland, saying: “The best is yet to come!”
Standing on a windy beach, Vanessa wore a cream coat, sunglasses and a pink hat, in one video recorded for her fans on Instagram.
Asked how she was feeling today, Vanessa replied: I'm feeling fantastic, Why wouldn't I? I'm in my beloved East Cork.
"Look how beautiful it is here on Ballynamona Beach. And I am having a wonderful time."
Spreading her arms, Vanessa said: "The Irish welcome, there's nothing like it, the air fresh and clean.
"And I'm sending everyone best wishes for a fabulous, fabulous Monday."
Captioning the clip, Vanessa simply wrote: "Back in beloved East Cork", followed by a number of hashtags, including "healing" and "family."
On her Instagram Stories, Vanessa shared a photo of herself and her daughter Allegra Benitah wearing warm hats, writing: "Happy Monday from beloved East Cork", as well as a picture of herself enjoying a coffee and breakfast.
Vanessa has spoken of how the split left her devastated but she's determined to keep enjoying life, and put "my best foot forward."
And she's keeping to the pledge, as ahead of her Ireland trip, she was filmed by Brookside actress Claire Sweeney joining in a conga line at charity do for the Caron Keating Foundation.
The former Radio 2 presenter shared Claire's video on her own Instagram, and also a series of snaps from the evening, where she wore a sparkling pink dress.
