Latest news with #DanielLustig-Webb
Metro
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gogglebox star reveals life-changing health diagnosis he's 'hidden for decades'
Former Gogglebox star Daniel Lustig-Webb has publicly shared that he is deaf in one ear after decades of hiding his health condition. The 50-year-old TV personality rose to fame during his five-year tenure on the hit Channel 4 reality series which he featured on with his ex-husband Stephen Webb from 2018 to 2023. Earlier this week he opened up to his 121,000 Instagram followers about the life-changing childhood diagnosis that has 'shaped his life'. 'I've been half deaf since I was a child,' he said in a new interview. He explained that he contracted mumps when he was younger causing an infection which ultimately led to 'complete and permanent hearing loss in one ear.' Before continuing to Scenemag: '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.' He described trying to keep up in social situations 'exhausting' due to his condition and has at times been 'forced to pretend' he could hear what people were saying which took 'its toll'. 'I've had to learn to listen differently, and sometimes I just switch off,' the Hove-based hairdresser added. '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,' he explained alongside his plans to learn sign language to connect with the wider community. 'Deafness isn't a weakness, it's part of me,' Daniel shared hoping to shed light on the 'isolation and frustration' that comes with being hard of hearing. 'It's part of millions of lives. And it should be talked about openly, without shame,' he continued. The latest figures from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People indicating upwards of 18 million adults across the UK are affected by hearing loss or tinnitus. As he enters a new decade he is 'learning to love and accept all parts of [himself]'. Fans have shared their support for Daniel in the comments on Instagram. 'You should never hide yourself you are a beautiful person inside and out,' jopurdy2 said. 'Be proud and loud, love and hugs,' shared. Earlier this year, Daniel opened up about the impact of his breakup with his ex, Stephen. The pair – who had been together for 11 years and married for six – announced their shock break-up in April 2024 but have remained in each other's lives as friends. More Trending In recent interview, however, Daniel revealed that he 'didn't see [the split] coming' and called the end of their relationship 'devastating' and 'traumatic'. Speaking on podcast Suddenly Single, he said: 'We were completely entwined for so long, with our businesses, the dogs, we were so close in everything we did. 'There was nothing underhand happening, no-one had slept with anyone else.' View More » In the end, their differences became too much with Daniel adding: 'Stephen was the complete opposite to me, and we'd say opposites attracted, but fundamentally that was our problem in the end.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Hidden gem documentary that inspired 90s comedy legend free to watch on BBC iPlayer MORE: Gogglebox family announce heartbreaking death as fans pay tribute MORE: Paddy McGuinness reveals his unexpected celebrity crush 'he wasn't supposed to have'
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gogglebox star 'ready to be open' as he shares condition he 'hid for years'
Gogglebox star Daniel Lustig-Webb has opened up on a health condition he kept secret for years, saying he wants to speak out to let people with the condition know it's not a 'weakness' A reality TV star has revealed a health condition he has been keeping a secret for years. Daniel Lustig-Webb rose to fame on hit Channel 4 series Gogglebox. And as he marks his 50th birthday, the star has opened up on a condition he has kept hidden for decades. Daniel starred on the show for five years alongside his now ex-husband Stephen Lustig-Webb. The pair were huge fan-favourites, leaving many viewers saddened when they left the show in 2023. Now, as he turns 50, he has revealed he is completely deaf in one ear. He admitted the condition has shaped his life for decades and he is now ready to openly share his condition with his followers. He explained he has started a fitness and wellbeing journey focussed on self-acceptance and health. He revealed he has been partially deaf since childhood and admitted it is something that made him insecure and reluctant to talk about in the past. He 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." He also opened up about his condition affecting his social life and confidence, explaining how it was worse in noisy environments. He added: "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." But he has admitted now is time for him to speak out about his condition. "At 50, I feel like it's finally time to stop hiding and to be proud of who I am," he went on. "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.' Daniel's decision to share his story comes at a time when nearly 11 million people in the UK havesome form of hearing loss, with about one in six adults being affected. He admitted he is hoping that speaking out can help break down the myths and stigma around dearness. He went on to say the "invisible" condition often makes people feel isolated. Daniel revealed his priorities are now changing as he's getting older, explaining he focussing on his health. He admitted he is "learning to love and accept" his condition and insisted it's important he can show others that it's not something to be ashamed or afraid of.
