In a bid to encourage all Strictly Come Dancing contestants to receive therapy, Rachel Riley has opened up on the PTSD she suffered after her appearance on the show in 2013.
So as to avoid others from walking her fate, she is now calling for all Strictly Come Dancing contestants to receive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
The 38-year-old made the remark at the Inspiration Awards For Women at The Landmark Hotel in London.
‘I know from my time on it, 11 years ago, even the most sane, solid, grounded people, it can do something to you,’ she said.
‘And there’s so many people that I’ve seen in subsequent years that have that shared experience. I don’t think even production are aware of quite what it does to people.’
The Countdown presenter continued: ‘When I was doing it, I was recommended CBT, and I think that’s actually been really great.’
As it is, Riley is not the first to reveal their time on Strictly was traumatic.
Last year Amanda Abington quit the show due to ‘personal reasons’ amid claims of a feud between her and Giovanni Pernice, 33.
She was left so shaken from her experience that she demanded footage of their rehearsals to back up her claim of PTSD.
It has reportedly taken months for her to recover from her time on the programme and she has apparently needed therapy following the ‘behaviour she was exposed to.’
About CBT
CBT is a talking therapy that can help patients manage problems by altering the way they think about them.
It’s often used to treat anxiety, depression and PTSD and focuses on improving a person’s state of mind.
