Even during illness, Will Mellor has been the picture of positivity during his time on Strictly, but the actor has been through dark times in his life.
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In 2014, Will's sister Joanne, 44, tragically passed away, with Will discussing his family's loss during his Two Pints With Will and Ralf podcast. "I just collapsed, I felt helpless and I didn't deal with it too well," he said about hearing the news.
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"For a good few months after that I was in a dark place, couldn't get out of bed and I didn't see the point in getting out of bed," he shared.
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Will explained that the loss impacted his life in a big way, explaining: "I was drinking too much, got into gambling quite a lot. But I didn't know I had a problem until my wife Michelle said 'I think you're a bit depressed' and men especially don't like to talk about that.
"So I didn't want to admit it but I got myself back on my feet."
© Photo: RexWill Mellor struggled with his mental health in 2014
Will shared that he didn't seek any professional help, adding: "I wouldn't advise that, I'd say if it happened again I'd go and speak to somebody now."
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The 46-year-old was plunged into darkness again following the death of his dad during the pandemic.
© Photo: InstagramWill Mellor is impressing fans on Strictly
Will's father, Bill, died from cancer, with the actor saying: It was just the worst, worst couple of weeks of my life."
Explaining to Ralf how he coped with the loss, Will said: "I've been trying to keep my mind off what's happened with my dad. It's been a dark time, it really has.
"I've learned from the first time and I've tried to stay positive for my mum," he added.
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