Dale Winton has addressed fans' concerns about his health and well-being, revealing he has been suffering from depression for five years.
The star's appearance on 'In It To Win It' left viewers worried last year, with some claiming the presenter did not seem his usual self, and later sparked concern when he was noticeably missing from the funeral of close friend Cilla Black.
Dale has now opened up about his health worries on 'Loose Women', saying: "I should have taken myself off TV."
Revealing his five-year struggle with depression, he told hosts Andrea McLean, Nadia Sawalha, Josie Gibson and Kaye Adams on Friday's (17 June) edition of the ITV daytime show: “Listen, there are worse things in the world - but I had depression and I didn’t realise.
“I always thought, ‘get over yourself’. But my mum died of it. It exists and anybody out there who has had it knows it exists. I didn’t want to put one foot in front of the other but for a couple of really good friends.
“I had a bad break-up and then I had health issues.”
He continued: “I would not leave the house. Five years. I’ve totally got through it. It was triggered by a very bad break up."
Dale admitted he was now feeling much better, and credited friend David Walliams for "keeping [him] going."
He has been on our screens for over 20 years, having first shot to fame on the ITV daytime show ‘Supermarket Sweep’ in the 90s, and has hosted The National Lottery's 'In It To Win It' since 2002.
'Loose Women' airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.
