In a new BBC Scotland documentary, 'Being Gail Porter', the former TV presenter reveals the truth behind her glittering 1990s career and the mental health struggles that followed. Gail, who was once one of the UK's most famous female TV presenters, discusses her battles with depression, self-harm and anorexia, which led to divorce, hair loss, financial ruin and being sectioned in 2011.
The documentary sees Gail retrace her steps to understand how her life changed so dramatically. She recalls the moment a magazine projected a 60-feet tall naked image of her onto the Houses of Parliament without her consent, which she says plunged her into depression. 'People thought it was a career move. It absolutely wasn't. I knew nothing about it,' she says.
Gail also opens up about the onset of alopecia totalis, which ended her TV career overnight. 'It's only now I feel able to face up to what I've been through,' she admits. The film follows her as she returns to her hometown of Edinburgh to meet friends, relatives and medical professionals in an effort to understand her emotional extremes.
Throughout the documentary, Gail reflects on the vulnerability of young people thrust into the spotlight. 'How did this happen to wee Gail Porter from Portobello?' she asks. The film aims to provide an honest exploration of mental health and offers a reminder of how much has changed since the 1990s.
Gail hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others. 'I hope I can learn something and, maybe, even help others,' she says. The documentary is a moving account of her journey from fame to homelessness and her ongoing battle with mental health.
