Celebrity Big Brother star reveals dramatic impact show had on his health as he claims there was 'no aftercare' for stars following their exit from the house

Daily Mail​

06-05-2025

Former Celebrity Big Brother star Ian 'H' Watkins has now revealed the dramatic impact the show had on his health as he claimed there was 'no aftercare' for stars following their exit from the house.
The Steps singer, 48, who was a finalist on the fifth series in 2007, has said he was left feeling paranoid following his exit and was convinced that people were watching him from behind mirrors long after the show ended.
Reflecting on his experience during an interview with The Sun, he said: 'I do know that the aftercare is a lot better these days. It does affect your mental health.
'Because when you're in there, in the night time people are watching you. And back then you could watch people sleeping 24 hours.
'I came out of there – and it was ridiculous because I know it wasn't sane – but I would think people were watching me through mirrors for weeks afterwards.
The star also told the publication that no aftercare was provided after his appearance on the show and you were left to 'fend for yourself'.
The Steps singer, 48, who was a finalist on the fifth series in 2007, said he was left feeling paranoid and was convinced that people were watching him from behind mirrors long after the show ended
Whereas now, he imagines there are doctors and psychologists on hand to help any of the celebrities.
Ian starred in the infamous series alongside Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty which erupted into a huge racism and bullying row.
However, Ian doesn't believe the same thing would happen today as he added 'It can be a bit of a poisoned chalice' and noted how the 'game has changed'.
The interview comes after Ian revealed in March that he had not recovered from an 'awful virus' that he caught several months ago as he discussed his health woes and teased a huge career move.
The singer shared at the time that he had lost half of his vocal range after falling ill several months ago during the Birmingham launch of Steps The Musical.
When asked if he has any more plans to tour as a band, Ian revealed to Heat Magazine: 'When we launched Steps The Musical in Birmingham, I had this awful virus and I still have not recovered from that.'
'So, if I had been asked to do a show, I would have had to have cancelled. Half of my range has just gone. It knocked me for six.'
However, the star hinted that the band will do something to mark their 30th anniversary in a couple of years.
Elsewhere during the interview, Ian also revealed his plans to start a new career as an art teacher.
Admitting that he is very privileged to be able to work when he wants to, Ian said: 'I am going to our local school to teach the kids art. I'm very privileged that I can do the school run, paint, take a little job here and there.'
The former frontman of the late 90's pop band spends the majority of his time working as a professional artist - selling his paintings for thousands of pounds.
Steps ruled the charts after forming in 1997, with mega-hits such as Tragedy, 5, 6, 7, 8, and Deeper Shade Of Blue.
However, after years of chart-topping success, the band parted ways in 2001. And many years later, Ian rediscovered his love of painting and it wasn't long before he became a professional artist.
Ian previously took to Instagram to share a clip with fans, giving them a glimpse at his third art exhibition of the year.
In the clip, he shared a sweet message about his decision to become an artist as he proudly showed all of his creations on the wall.
He captioned the post at the time: 'My 3rd Art exhibition this year. This time at @cloudgalleryfineart ! I'm totally blown away!'
'Still feeling a little overwhelmed by everyone who came. These are different kind of shows to what I'm used to! Usually I'm on stage and I have 4 other band mates.
'But an art exhibition is up close and very personal. Nowhere to hide. Discussing my process and why I paint… and I love how that connects with people.
He continued: 'My work will be on display at Cloud Gallery in Chichester.. so if you're around, pop in to see Gavin and his brilliant team.'
When Ian was 18 years old he was accepted at Cardiff School of Art and Design but decided to defer his place as he wanted to dabble in the showbiz industry.
He previously told the BBC: 'I packed up my artistic dreams in a box and put it on the top shelf.