Roxanne Pallett details how she overcame three breakdowns after ‘punch-gate’

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Roxanne Pallett has detailed how she overcame three breakdowns following her explosive false ‘woman beater’ claims against Ryan Thomas on the 2018 edition of Celebrity Big Brother.

In a new interview, the former Emmerdale actress, 37, revealed she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prescribed strong sedatives and underwent therapy during her battle with suicidal thoughts.

The ex-soap star credited God, travelling the world and watching iconic Rocky films for helping her in her darkest times and discussed her ‘blessed’ life in New York with her firefighter husband of seven months, Jason Carrion. 

‘God, travel and Rocky saved me’: Roxanne Pallett shared how she overcame three breakdowns after her false ‘woman beater’ claims against Ryan Thomas on 2018’s CBB (pictured)

Reflecting on her difficult year, the media personality said she ‘fell apart three times in the space of three months’ as she participated on reality TV shows CBB, Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and Celebrity Coach Trip.  

The TV star touched on the ‘punchgate’ drama with eventual series winner Ryan, 36, specifically as she explained: ‘Viewers weren’t shown that I was treated three days running by the medics in the diary room. This was not an isolated, random reaction, but it was portrayed as an impulsive act.

‘But I accept I gave producers ownership of whatever I said or did and I have to acknowledge they had the right to edit me and show whatever they want in whatever context fitted their storyline. At that point I didn’t want to be here any more.’

Roxanne, who insists she’s now in a ‘much better place’ after ‘upgrading every aspect of her life’, managed to pick herself up with ‘incredible’ therapy and God, as well as other unconventional methods of recovery. 

'I feel free': The former Emmerdale actress, 37, also discussed her 'blessed' life in New York with her firefighter husband of seven months, Jason Carrion

‘I feel free’: The former Emmerdale actress, 37, also discussed her ‘blessed’ life in New York with her firefighter husband of seven months, Jason Carrion

'Viewers weren’t shown that I was treated three days running by the medics': The TV star touched on 'punchgate' with eventual series winner Ryan (pictured with Sally Morgan), 36

‘Viewers weren’t shown that I was treated three days running by the medics’: The TV star touched on ‘punchgate’ with eventual series winner Ryan (pictured with Sally Morgan), 36

Difficult: The media personality said she 'fell apart three times in the space of three months' after appearing on three reality shows (pictured on Celebrity Coach Trip)

Difficult: The media personality said she ‘fell apart three times in the space of three months’ after appearing on three reality shows (pictured on Celebrity Coach Trip)

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

People with PTSD often suffer nightmares and flashbacks to the traumatic event and can experience insomnia and an inability to concentrate.    

Symptoms are often severe enough to have a serious impact on the person’s day-to-day life, and can emerge straight after the traumatic event or years later. 

PTSD is thought to affect about one in every three people who have a traumatic experience, and was first documented in the First World War in soldiers with shell shock.

People who are worried they have PTSD should visit their GP, who could recommend a course of psychotherapy or anti-depressants, the NHS say. 

Combat Stress operate a 24-hour helpline for veterans, which can be reached on 0800 138 1619.  

She added to The Sun: ‘It was therapy, travel, Johnny Cash’s music and Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky films that got me through. Those films saved me and are my Bible. It might sound crazy to say it but, in the end, God took the wheel. I wasn’t religious before and a lot of people might roll their eyes about it or not understand it.’

After being met with online abuse and ‘toxicity’, which she described as being ‘worse’ than criticism she was faced with in the real world, the thespian and Married At First Sight star Jason, 34, decided to delete their social media accounts. 

The Cumbria native admitted stepping away from the limelight and living without an online presence has made her feel ‘free’ – a step the couple decided to take after ditching their mobile phones during their honeymoon.  

It was revealed in August 2019 that Roxanne and Jason were dating and living together in New York in a union that came seven months after she was dumped by her former fiancé Lee Walton. 

'At that point I didn’t want to be here any more': The thespian insists she's now in a 'much better place' after 'upgrading every aspect of her life' (pictured in August 2018)

‘At that point I didn’t want to be here any more’: The thespian insists she’s now in a ‘much better place’ after ‘upgrading every aspect of her life’ (pictured in August 2018)

'Those Rocky films are my Bible': Roxanne managed to pick herself up with therapy and God, as well as unconventional methods of recovery (Sylvester Stallone pictured in the 2006 film)

‘Those Rocky films are my Bible’: Roxanne managed to pick herself up with therapy and God, as well as unconventional methods of recovery (Sylvester Stallone pictured in the 2006 film)

The loved-up pair tied the knot at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City in January just two months after getting engaged.

Reality star Jason previously married Cortney Hendrix when he starred on Married At First Sight in 2014, however the couple split last February. 

A ‘happier and healthier’ Roxanne branded her love as ‘mentally strong and grounded’ and expressed her gratitude towards him for becoming her ‘best friend’ at a time where ‘all I had to offer was me’.  

The Lake Placid 3 star has no plans of returning to the entertainment industry, and kept busy in lockdown by renovating her new ‘dream home’.  

 If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

'I'm happy and healthy': The Cumbria native admitted stepping away from the limelight and living without an online presence has made her feel 'free' (pictured with Jason, 34, in July)

‘I’m happy and healthy’: The Cumbria native admitted stepping away from the limelight and living without an online presence has made her feel ‘free’ (pictured with Jason, 34, in July)