“I am unable to talk about the difficulties with my current family situation but I am taking steps to resolve it to achieve the best outcome for my son. I am ashamed and embarrassed that I allowed myself to reach such a dark place that I behaved in a way that even I didn’t recognise.

“While I acknowledge that there is absolutely no excuse for my deeply regrettable behaviour, I plead for some understanding that I had no intention of violence.

“There are always two sides to every story and all of my friends and family who are close to me know that I’m not a violent person capable of anything like this. My words were said in anger and desperation at a very difficult time.

He went on to add: “I love my son Teddy very much and I’m doing all that I can to see him as often as possible.

“I’m also very sorry to everyone at TOWIE that I have let down and thank them for their understanding and support while I take a short break to concentrate on my family.”