Former Strictly Come Dancing star Will Mellor has opened up about his childhood, revealing he would "pass out" from crying too much because of his strict father. The former Hollyoaks actor appeared on ITV's This Morning on November 5 to discuss his new memoir and reflect on his relationship with his late father, Bill Mellor.
'He is my hero'
Speaking to presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Mellor said of his father: "He is my hero, he's not here anymore but I looked up to him more than anybody else." He went on to describe his upbringing as "tough," explaining that because he was the only boy, his father took charge of his upbringing.
"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," Mellor said. "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."
'I used to cry that much'
Mellor, who reached the Strictly Come Dancing semi-finals in 2022 with professional dancer Nancy Xu, became visibly moved during the interview as he recalled his father's discipline. "It came from the right place but as a kid I didn't understand it because I worshipped him," he said. "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," he continued. "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."
Viewers praise 'moving' interview
Mellor, known for roles in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, also revealed that his father later came to regret his tough love. He explores their relationship in his new memoir.
Support flooded in from This Morning viewers on social media. One viewer 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. 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 a fourth said: "From the heart fair play Will good interview." One viewer simply 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. So talented yet grounded, well done and continued success and good fortune as you deserve it."
On Instagram, one follower 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." This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
