Former Strictly Star Reveals Decades-Long Struggle
Broadcaster Ore Oduba has been spotted heading to work at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre for the first time since bravely revealing his 'life-destroying' porn addiction that spanned three decades. The 39-year-old, currently starring in a production of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein musical, appeared focused as he made his way to rehearsals ahead of Monday's opening performance.
Dressed appropriately for the autumn weather, Oduba wore a navy padded coat layered over an Adidas jumper with black joggers. The former Strictly Come Dancing winner completed his low-key ensemble with a baseball cap and carried his essentials in a rucksack while holding a large water bottle.
The Shame That Kept Him Silent
During an emotional appearance on Paul Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast, Oduba disclosed that he only 'escaped my addiction' 18 months ago after thirty years of struggle. 'Shame kept me silent for 30 years,' the broadcaster revealed. 'It took me 30 years, two deaths, and a divorce to finally go: here's what's happening.'
The father of two explained his decision to speak out now stems from wanting to highlight the issue of children accessing sexual imagery on social media. An emotional Oduba stated: 'This is me putting my life as it is on the line, to save my children and to guide anybody else's children going into a world where at their fingertips, they can fall into something they never asked to.'
He admitted feeling terrified about going public with his struggle but recognised it as a pivotal moment. 'The vast majority is terrified because I feel like, personally, for me, the rest of my life begins the day after this, as it's a kind of a seminal draw-the-line moment.'
Co-Parenting Tensions Surface
The revelation comes as Oduba's ex-wife, Portia Jett, appeared to make a public statement about their co-parenting situation. The TV researcher reshared an Instagram meme from co-parenting coach Chantal Contorines featuring the words: 'Them: How has co-parenting been lately?' alongside a video of John Cleese repeatedly smashing his head into a wall.
The accompanying caption included strong statements about the challenges of co-parenting, reading: 'You can't co-parent with a person who wants to control you and hurt you' and 'You can't co-parent with a person who hates you more than they "love" (and don't have a capacity for love) their children.'
Prior to this post, Portia had shared an image showing her and Ore's children - seven-year-old Roman and four-year-old Genie - alongside Taylor Swift's track Father Figure, which included lyrics about 'protecting her family.'
The couple met during their university years and announced the end of their nine-year marriage in October last year, with Oduba confirming their divorce during his podcast appearance. The broadcaster's courageous decision to speak about his addiction represents a significant step in addressing mental health issues that often remain hidden due to societal stigma.
