Gogglebox's Daniel Lustig-Webb reveals life changing health diagnosis for the first time

The Sun

2 days ago

GOGGLEBOX'S Daniel Lustig-Webb has revealed a life changing health diagnosis for the first time.
Daniel, 50, known for his five-year run on the Channel 4 show, has told fans that he's been completely deaf in one ear since childhood.
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The TV personality said his hearing loss is a result of mumps he contracted in his youth, which caused an infection that left him with permanent hearing loss in one ear.
He explained that for years he kept it a secret due to insecurity and fear of being seen as 'different' or less capable.
Daniel said: 'I've been half deaf since I was a child. I got mumps when I was younger, which caused an infection in my ear, and that left me with complete and permanent hearing loss in one ear.
"For years, I hid it. I didn't want people to see me as 'different' or less capable.
"At school, it was tough, I was often picked on and teachers told me I was 'thick' because I struggled to concentrate, not realising it was because I couldn't hear properly.
"It made me really insecure. I thought I was just failing.'
Daniel described the social challenges caused by his deafness, explaining: 'Going out with friends, trying to join in conversations at parties, it's exhausting.
"You end up guessing what people say or pretending you hear it all. I'd mimic the conversation, hoping no one noticed. But it takes a toll. I've had to learn to listen differently, and sometimes I just switch off.'
Following his 50th birthday, Daniel decided to embrace his diagnosis as part of a new chapter in his life.
After leaving Gogglebox in 2023 and going through a divorce with OG star Stephen, he has focused on fitness, wellbeing, and self-acceptance.
Gogglebox fans go wild as Stephen Lustig-Webb and his ex Daniel reunite just weeks after their shock split
Daniel said: 'I feel ready to be open about it. At 50, I feel like it's finally time to stop hiding and to be proud of who I am.
"I'm planning to begin learning sign language because I want to connect with the deaf community and support others who might be struggling like I did. Deafness isn't a weakness, it's part of me.'
Hearing loss affects nearly 11 million people in the UK, approximately one in six adults.
Daniel hopes his openness will help break down the stigma surrounding deafness.
He said: 'I want to help break down the myths around deafness. It's not just about the sounds you can't hear, it's about the isolation, the frustration, the way it shapes your world.
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"I've seen how people dismiss deafness because it's 'invisible'. But it's real. It's part of millions of lives. And it should be talked about openly, without shame.'
Back in October, Daniel revealed he was back dating again since his marriage split – but admitted there's one thing a new partner will have to 'tolerate.'
Daniel told The Sun: 'I was dating someone - if you can even call it that – we went on four dates in London, and it was really fun.
'But that was literally the first guy I dated since the split, so it was a bit of a learning curve.
'We were very similar in age though, we had a lot in common, it was very nice and we had a lot of fun.'
But Daniel confessed things between the two of them 'dried up' romantically.
The TV star, who said he'd be more than keen to give Celebs Go Dating a go, said people haven't really clocked on to his Gogglebox fame.
Asked if he was worried people would swipe right because they'd seen him on the show, Daniel shared: 'The people I have chatted to or met haven't mentioned it on the first or second date, and if they sort of slip it in, I think 'Oh, that's quite cool.' You know what I mean. I don't want dating to be like an interview.'
And the single star said he was trying his hardest not to be picky on his dating quest, sometimes unsuccessfully.
Daniel added: 'I've been quite open, actually, because in the past I'd be like 'they must be this age, 'they must look like this. But now my age bracket is more open than it used to be. So that's interesting.
'To be honest, I'm not too picky but then when I meet them I can really be picky.
Deafness
What is deafness?
Deafness is a partial or complete loss of the ability to hear. It can affect one or both ears.
Causes:
Common causes include aging, exposure to loud noise, infections, genetics, or injury.
Types:
Conductive: Problem with outer or middle ear.
Sensorineural: Damage to inner ear or nerve pathways.
Mixed: Combination of both.
Signs to watch for:
Difficulty following conversations, asking others to repeat, turning up volume loud.
Treatment options:
Hearing aids, cochlear implants, surgery, or therapy — depending on the cause and severity.
Did you know?
Over 11 million people in the UK suffer some form of hearing loss.
Quick tip:
Protect your ears from loud noise — use earplugs at concerts and keep volume low on headphones.
'I also don't like all the texting on the apps, I don't want a pen friend!'
And the show favourite shared that anyone he dates will also have to accept that he and ex Stephen are still good friends.
Daniel playfully added: 'It's something people will just have to put up with. We're business partners and also dog daddy's as we share a dog together.
'When I met Stephen I was still pals with my ex, and he took that on the chin.
'You don't have to be really good friends with these people but you have to respect it. It's some Louis Vuitton baggage!'
Daniel doesn't want to 'live on the apps' when it comes to meeting someone knew, instead saying he prefers a more traditional way of going about things.
'I'd like to meet someone out, strolling along the beach with my dog or in a bar, like how it used to be.
'If a friend set me up on a date I'd have to put the parameters out there, and if they got it wrong I'd probably never speak to my friend again!'
Despite Daniel's hunt for romance, the star has been busy juggling owning two hair salon businesses, alongside a life in the spotlight as a TV personality.
He's recently appeared on The Weakest Link, and shares his desire to one day take to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor, but 'doesn't feel famous at all.'
Daniel added: 'If we're not filming anything or doing anything like life is just the same as everyone elses.
'I'm going out on the beach picking up the dog poo in the rain. I've got to run to get in my car quickly to get to work so I'm not late, you know, living the same life as everyone else.'
And on a Gogglebox return? Well, Daniel said 'never say never.'
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