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Rachel Riley has revealed she developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had to have therapy after starring on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Countdown beauty was a contestant on the BBC ballroom contest in 2013 – which is where she met her hubby Pasha Kovalev – but has now said she had some problems afterwards.
She told OK! magazine: "I needed cognitive behavioural therapy after competing in 2013 and developed post-traumatic stress disorder.
"If I heard the theme music, I'd start reliving the experience. It was scary and unnerving, so my way of dealing with it is to avoid watching."
Rachel, who is currently expecting her second baby with pro dancer Pasha, recently told how she advises friends not to sign up for Strictly.
The 35-year-old star previously told The Times that there isn't enough awareness of how being a Strictly contestant can have an impact on your mental health, saying you have to be really strong to cope with being judged week in week out.
She also talked about another of her hubby's former celebrity dance partners – late Love Island host Caroline Flack, who took her own life last year.
"Caroline Flack's was such a tragic story; even Pasha struggles to talk about it," said Rachel.
"I would prefer not to [talk about it] apart from to say, I read some of her interviews where she discussed her depression after Strictly and, I agree, it does mess with your head."
She went on: "I advise friends not to go on the show and I know people who have dropped out of it due to the mental pressures involved."
Rachel and Pasha tied the knot in 2019, six years after they met.
They welcomed daughter Maven later that year and this April they announced that they had another baby on the way.
Daily Star has contacted the BBC for comment.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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- Strictly Come Dancing
- Rachel Riley
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