01-05-2025
EXCLUSIVE I was stalked because my mum's famous, Gillian McKeith's daughter Afton reveals the WORST thing about growing up with a celebrity parent on latest episode of the Mail's 'The Apple & The Tree' podcast
Performer Afton McKeith, 25, revealed the worst thing about growing up with her celebrity mum, TV nutritionist Gillian McKeith, was the family being stalked.
Afton made the surprise admission exclusively on the Mail's 'The Apple & The Tree' podcast, hosted by the Reverend Richard Coles.
The weekly show pits parents against their adult children to ask questions about their shared family history they've always wanted answered.
Questioned on whether mum Gilian's fame, known for hosting the Channel 4 show, 'You Are What You Eat', was a help or hindrance growing up, Afton said her answer 'could go both ways'.
'Overall, I feel your celebrity has helped me', Afton assessed.
'It has brought a lot of opportunities… you came from humble beginnings. You've worked really hard, and you've provided me with an incredible life.
'There have been some hindrances: We've been stalked before. Having people start following us was scary. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.'
Gillian McKeith, 65, grew up on a council state in Perth, Scotland, before moving to America and becoming a health reporter.
She then came back to the UK to host multiple shows on diet and nutrition, sharing an unorthodox approach to healthy eating.
Her daughter Afton is a singer, actor, and musician who has forged a career in the online fitness industry.
Afton recently featured in a high-profile commercial for Nike, starring rapper Central Cee.
She said her desire to perform may have come from growing up watching her mum doing unscripted television.
'I wonder if my career has something to do with growing up on a set', Afton said.
'Even though you were doing television, it's still a performance. My passion for the performing arts must have something to do with the life I have been given thanks to your celebrity status.'
Gillian reminisced about how her 'best friend', Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, must have also played a role in encouraging her daughter to pursue the arts.
The TV presenter remembered how the singer, who sadly died in 2009, used to make tapes of songs he enjoyed for her children.
'He was such a sweet man', Afton concurred.
'Stephen was like an uncle to me. He got us an iPod and put a whole playlist of songs on it for us, which was hard to do at the time.
'It must have taken him hours, maybe days to do. He was so thoughtful.'
