Strictly Come Dancing star Will Mellor has revealed he used to "pass out" from crying too much as a child because of his strict father, Bill Mellor.
The former Hollyoaks actor appeared on ITV's This Morning on November 5 to discuss his new memoir. Speaking about his late dad, he said: "He is my hero, he's not here anymore but I looked up to him more than anybody else."
Emotional interview on This Morning
Will, who reached the Strictly semi-finals in 2022 with professional dancer Nancy Xu, opened up about his "tough" upbringing live on air. He told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: "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."
He explained his father's reasoning: "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."
Strict upbringing and regret
Will admitted he did not understand the discipline as a child because he worshipped his dad. He said: "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."
He added: "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. Also his way of bringing me up was a reflection of his upbringing. he had a really tough upbringing."
The Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star became visibly emotional during the interview as he admitted his dad would later regret his tough love.
Support from viewers
Will details his relationship with his late dad in his new memoir, and support poured in from This Morning viewers. On social media, one person said: "Spoke from his heart truth about his life and family." Another added: "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."
One viewer wrote: "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 echoed: "Brilliant interview Integrity is everything", while another said: "From the heart fair play Will good interview." One person praised: "Very emotional." Another commented: "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."
On Instagram, one person said: "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."
