Vernon Kay recently expressed his regret to a former colleague at BBC Radio 2 after she revealed a personal struggle with health issues that he was unaware of. During a segment on his radio show, Vernon was joined by veteran broadcaster Fearne Cotton, who candidly discussed her mental health challenges.

Fearne, known for her work at Radio 1 and Radio 2, has been vocal about her experiences with depression and OCD. She has since shifted her focus away from live television and radio to host the Happy Place podcast.

In a conversation with Vernon, Fearne shared how the pressures of her career, including being constantly followed by paparazzi, took a toll on her mental well-being in her late 20s and early 30s. At that time, mental health was not openly discussed, leading Fearne to cope with her struggles internally without seeking help.

Despite facing personal challenges, Fearne continued her professional commitments, concealing her difficulties even from her producer. When Vernon expressed his surprise at not being informed, Fearne explained that she had chosen to keep her struggles private.

Having started her career at a young age, Fearne, now 44, has transitioned to focusing on her wellness brand, Happy Place, as she continues to share her journey with mental health. In a previous interview with Metro, Fearne disclosed her battles with bulimia and OCD, attributing some of her struggles to a tendency to prioritize others’ happiness over her own.

Fearne’s openness about her mental health challenges serves as a reminder of the importance of destigmatizing these issues and seeking support when needed.