Will Mellor has received an outpouring of support from fans after sharing a 'moving' childhood admission live on ITV's This Morning. The former Strictly Come Dancing star discussed his new memoir and reflected on his late father, Bill Mellor, during the interview on November 5.
Emotional revelations about his father
Mellor, who reached the Strictly Come Dancing semi-finals in 2022 with professional dancer Nancy Xu, acknowledged his father as his hero. He said: "He is my hero, he's not here anymore but I looked up to him more than anybody else."
Speaking to presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Mellor discussed his "tough" childhood, explaining that his father's discipline came from a desire to prepare him for life. He stated: "I came along and because I was the only boy he sort of said to my mum, alright you've got your girls and I've got him and in his mind to prepare me for what he thought was going to be a tough life, he had to toughen me up."
Struggles with discipline
Mellor described how his father's approach to parenting was rooted in fear of him going down the wrong path. He continued: "He didn't want me to go down his road and you end up in prison and so he thought well if he's frightened of me, he won't mess about when he's away from me."
He added: "It came from the right place but as a kid I didn't understand it because I worshipped him. So when he disciplined me I used to cry a lot, because I didn't understand it. I used to cry that much sometimes I'd pass out trying to get my breath and then he'd hit me for passing out. I didn't understand it but it was because he was so terrified of me becoming a rogue or rebel or being in trouble with the police, he thought."
Reflecting on his father's upbringing
The Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star grew visibly tearful during the interview, also revealing that his father would later come to regret his harsh approach to parenting. He noted: "Also his way of bringing me up was a reflection of his upbringing. he had a really tough upbringing."
Support from viewers
Mellor chronicles his relationship with his late father in his new memoir, and viewers took to social media to share their support. One person wrote: "Spoke from his heart truth about his life and family." Another responded: "Lovely guy, so sad to have had to have experienced this. You can tell how much he loved his Dad despite everything. That choked feeling is just the worst feeling. You never know what someone has endured by looking at them .yeh the 80's were different times but you deserved love and care and kindness cos you're so lovely Will. Just know that it was never your fault and your dad's tough upbringing was no excuse for him hurting you."
A third commented: "Brilliant interview Integrity is everything", while a fourth remarked: "From the heart fair play Will good interview." One viewer simply stated: "Very emotional." Another remarked: "Always so honest and open a shining example of a man, masculine and yet sensitive, not afraid to show emotion or feelings and can cry ,yet be as tough as nails,can share fears or failings and show true strength and character by doing so. So talented yet grounded, well done and continued success and good fortune as you deserve it."
Meanwhile on Instagram, one viewer wrote: "Will, you really are a genuinely nice guy. I watched your interview on This Morning and it was very moving. You've done incredibly well on television and long may it continue." This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am.
