04 May 2023 , 21:44
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Gail Porter has explained why she doesn't regret opening up about her past struggles as she aims to help other British people who find themselves in tough situations.
The Scottish TV legend, 52, has teamed up with Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation to raise awareness of poverty data amid the ongoing cost of living crisis impacting millions across the UK.
Gail says the campaign, that will see O2 provide free data to people in need, is extremely important to her as she was once homeless and it was only then she realised how vital data is to function in society.
A regular star on many 90s and 00s TV show, Gail is still one of the nation's most recognisable TV presenters and has enjoyed a lengthy career in the spotlight, working on shows like Top of the Pops, Children in Need and Live & Kicking.
But the mum-of-one also experienced poor mental health at the height of her career, suffering a nervous breakdown at one point, and found herself homeless and living between friends' spare bedrooms and sofas at one point.
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"This campaign is extremely important to me as I was homeless for a while and I didn’t realise how much we rely on data until I actually didn’t have any and I had no access to any," Gail told the Mirror earlier this month.
Gail Porter, pictured here in 1999, rose to fame as one of the nation's favourite TV presenters (Daily Mirror)
The Scottish star is now using her platform and celebrity status to help others (SWNS)"Things as simple as applying for jobs, finding out if I am eligible for any government help, housing assistance and just talking to a friend….. I couldn’t do any of these things in an easy manner without data."
Gail has previously spoken about how being diagnosed with alopecia in 2005 saw TV opportunities disappear and led to the star losing her home and struggling for money.
The Dead Famous star also experienced mental health struggles and detailed her battles in 2011, in which she bravely recalled to BBC Radio 5 Live's presenter Phil Williams how she had previously been detained under the Mental Health Act of 2007 for 17 days of treatment against her will.
While the conversation about mental health has improved since Gail opened up over a decade ago, the mum-of-one's admission in 2011 came at a time when the topic was still very much taboo.
Gail will be ticking a career goal off her bucket list later this year (SWNS)"I never regret opening up on my troubles. Every single one of us have our issues. Talking about things helps yourself and others," Gail mused during out chat.
"You realise that you are not alone. I think we have moved forward when it comes to talking about mental health. But it can always get better. Keep talking and listening."
Almost 30 years on from making her breakthrough TV appearance in 1997, Gail is still book and bust and embarking on new career ventures - including trying her hand at standup comedy.
"I have had so much fun with my career. Even the bad times won’t keep me down," the positive star reflected when looking back on her time in the spotlight.
"I’m pretty happy just plodding along as I do. Whatever comes my way that makes me smile and hopefully others… then I’m in!"
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She then revealed: "One of my bucket list goals was to perform stand up at the Edinburgh festival. Which I am doing this year…. So I’m a very happy wee soul."
*Gail Porter has partnered with Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation to raise awareness of the National Databank – where the 1000th Hub has opened, providing free O2 data to people in need.. It comes as a third of Brits say they are only one pay slip away from serious hardship. To find out more, visit National Databank | O2