Dancing on Ice favourite Nile Wilson has received thousands of messages of support after opening up about his addictions and mental health battles.
Nile, who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, told how he turned to drinking and gambling when he was forced to give up his sport through injury in 2019.
But he has turned his life around and insists others can do the same and that it is good to speak up if you are suffering.
Competing again – this time on the rink – has also been a help to him mentally.
Nile, 27, said: “I’ve had thousands of messages which is special.
“Messages saying how incredible it is and how it’s touched people and made them think differently, made them sort of realise that maybe they weren’t quite right, without them knowing.
“Above any of the things I’ve achieved, winning medals, that’s one of the proudest things I’ve done.”
Nile’s performances on the rink have included a performance to Shawn Mendes’s In My Blood, which he hoped could convey “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. It earned him and pro partner Olivia Smart a perfect score.
Cheering Nile on from the sidelines is girlfriend Hermione Wilson.
Nile is currently dating Hermione Wilson and the youngsters are thought to have got together last year, first sharing pictures of each other together on social media for Halloween.
In February, Hermione posted photos of them together and of Nile holding a bunch of roses and said: "Another amazing weekend & a great day with my annoying but amazing valentine. You couldn’t make me any prouder, love you."
Nile replied saying: "Love you more."
She has also posted photos from the Dancing On Ice studios as she attends at weekends to watch Nile.
Nile is 1/3 odds on with bookies to win Sunday’s final on ITV against fellow finalists but is already thinking about how he will cope with the comedown after competing, as it has filled a void which he had in his life when he quit gymnastics.
He added: “I’m aware this process could be a huge trigger for me and I’m already setting things in place to make sure that I don’t have a huge dip off the back of the show. Certainly a break afterwards.”
“I’m feeling happy. I’m enjoying the process, I’m enjoying performing again. And I’m very grateful to be in this position.”
