Chanelle Hayes broke down in tears throughout an emotional interview on Thursday’s Loose Women about her recent break-up.
The former Big Brother star, 30, struggled to speak at times when recalling how boyfriend Ryan Oates had left her just weeks after the birth of their son Frankie.
It sparked concern among viewers who worried that the split was still too “raw” and Chanelle was perhaps too fragile to be discussing it on TV.
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One tweeted: “Chanelle is far too vulnerable to be on a chat show. Show support by all means but perhaps in private.”
Another said: “This interview with Chanelle shouldn’t be happening. She’s too fragile.”
A third agreed: “Really shouldn’t have her on TV when she is so emotional. It’s an awful thing to see. I feel so sorry for her.”
While Chanelle was clearly very upset, the Loose Women panel lavished her with support and attention.
They said it was a safe space for her to talk and she’d feel better getting her thoughts and emotions off her chest.
Penny Lancaster in particular kept a reassuring hand on Chanelle’s back at times, while everyone told her she was entitled to be upset after such a difficult time.
Arriving on set, Chanelle admitted she wasn’t doing great but added: “What can do you?”
Chanelle explained how she’d met Ryan on Tinder last February and having a baby together wasn’t planned, although they were both very excited.
“I wouldn’t change my children for the world but it wasn’t in the plan. He was over the moon, really pleased. Both of us were. We had plans together…” as she broke down crying again, she added: “Oh, for God’s sake.”
The Loose Women all assured Chanelle that it was okay to cry, pointing out she’s just had a baby, endured a break-up, moved away from her family and friends and is sleep deprived.
As well as son Frankie, she’s also mum to Blakely, seven, from a previous relationship.
Chanelle said about six weeks after Frankie’s birth, she first found out Ryan wasn’t happy.
But she insisted: “I didn’t think it was bad enough to break up.”
“It’s horrible,” she said. “I feel like every part of my body hurts and I phone my mum every night crying. It’s difficult but what can I do? I don’t want a pity party.”
Chanelle said she’d moved away from her loved ones to live with Ryan but was currently viewing houses back home with a view to moving back.
When asked if that meant a reunion with Ryan was unlikely, she said: “No, it won’t happen. If it was me I would marry him tomorrow. I love him to pieces.”
A statement from Ryan was then read out which said: “Chanelle has presented a selective account of our relationship that doesn’t necessarily reflect the truth. I wish for these personal matters to remain private.
“I will continue to keep my sole focus on doing the best for Frankie and Blakely.”
Chanelle was keen to stress that although Ryan has left her, he hasn’t left the children.
“I’m trying to be fair. Ryan’s a really good dad and I’m a really good mum,” she said. “I will be fine, I just need to get myself through this and pick myself up. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.
“Everyone is healthy. The boys have two good parents and it will be fine. I have really good friends and family. I just need to get through this part which hurts.”
Then referring to her breaking the news of their split via social media, she added: “It’s my own fault for putting it on Twitter anyway. How stupid. It’s not classy, is it?”
Penny told Chanelle she was inspiring as so many celebrities put on a brave face after break-ups, but she’s showing the truth of heartbreak and how everything isn’t always rosy.
Many viewers reached out to Chanelle on social media as well, telling her their hearts went out to her.
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The Loose Women ended the interview by assuring Chanelle they were all there for her and sending their love and support.