I’m A Celebrity star Oti Mabuse has opened up about the tragic loss of her half-brother, who died by suicide at just 16-years-old.
In Wednesday night’s episode, the 34-year-old opened up to her campmates, saying her brother Neo might have been saved if he had felt able to express his emotions.
Her candid revelation followed a discussion led by McFly’s Danny Jones, who spoke openly about his struggles with anxiety including a panic attack he experienced live on TV.
Mabuse praised Jones for his openness, saying: “I think it’s really good that you keep saying people must talk, especially young boys.
“I don’t think young boys tend to talk that much and the suicide rate is so high in young men especially, so I think it’s important that you keep telling people to talk about it.”
Sharing her own experience, Mabuse said: “I had a brother who committed suicide when he was 16 and I think if he had spoken to someone about what he was feeling, it would’ve been a different turnout.”
Originally from South Africa, Mabuse explained that cultural expectations added another layer of complexity to the situation.
She shared: “Especially in our culture, we don’t really open up.”
Reflecting on the grief her family has experienced, she shared: “Every year we celebrate his birthday, but it’s the people that are still left with the aftermath that feel it every single day and you have to go out in the world and be strong and happy and bubbly and positive, but it’s tough.
“So if you don’t talk about it, no matter how frustrating it is and if you don’t get those feelings out, if you don’t seek the help, it’s hurtful for you, as well as the people around you that love you.”
N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos commended Mabuse for her honesty and said: “I think you’re amazing at that Oti, you go out everyday, your energy is so positive and so light. That’s like your superpower.”
The TV judge had previously opened up about the family tragedy in her memoir Chili in the Blood: My Dance Through Life.
The South African dancer wrote about how her half-brother's death in the early 1990s when she was just a child was regarded as a bad omen within their community.
She wrote in her book, as per the Daily Mail: “He killed himself with a poison. And because the people of Africa are very religious and superstitious, something bad arose in our neighbourhood.
“With the suicide of Neo, our family was seen as one where there was a negative energy. Because of this rumour, no one came to us any more, because it was feared that bad energy applied to the visitor.”
Viewers praised Mabuse for opening up about her family’s tragedy on social media, with one writing: “An Oti Mabuse appreciation tweet! Can we just take a moment to appreciate how brave Oti was opening up about her 16 year old brother.
“The fact that she was inspired by Danny to open up made the moment even more emotional.”
“Danny Jones opening up about anxiety, Oti Mabuse talking about her brother…This episode is really hitting me in the feels,” another shared.
“Reminder to everyone out there, especially men, that it’s so, so important to speak out if you’re struggling with your mental health.”
This season has seen many emotional conversations as campmates grow closer in the jungle.
Earlier in the week, boxing legend Barry McGuigan was moved to tears speaking about his daughter’s passing, while Coleen Rooney shared her grief over the loss of her sister.
I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! airs on ITV1 and ITVX every night at 9pm.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
