30 Facts About Danniella Westbrook

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Danniella Westbrook's journey to fame began at a young age. Her early life and career set the stage for her future in the entertainment industry.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on November 5, 1973, in Walthamstow, London, Danniella grew up in Essex in a working-class family. Her father was a cab driver, and her mother worked as a shop assistant.

2. Education: She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School from 1981 to 1989, a prestigious institution that honed her talents and prepared her for a career in show business.

3. Early Career: At just seven years old, she began modeling for Asda. She later became the face of Next's children's fashionware and Tammy Girl, appearing in various television adverts, including those for Opel cars and Coca-Cola.

4. Break into Acting: Her acting career started with small roles in productions like Grange Hill and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She also appeared in the music video for Queen's song "The Invisible Man".

Rise to Fame with EastEnders

Danniella's big break came with her role in the iconic British soap opera EastEnders. This role catapulted her to stardom.

5. EastEnders Debut: At eleven, she made her debut as an extra in EastEnders. Her local paper published her picture with the caption "who knows, one day she may be the show's star!"

6. Sam Mitchell Role: At 16, she was cast as Sam Mitchell, the younger sister of Phil and Grant Mitchell. Her first appearance on the show was in July 1990, and she played the role intermittently over the next two decades.

7. Rise to Fame: During her time on EastEnders, she became a household name in the UK. Her character was involved in many prominent storylines, making her a central figure in the show's narrative.

Personal Struggles and Addiction

Despite her success, Danniella faced significant personal challenges, particularly with addiction.

8. Personal Struggles: She developed a severe cocaine habit in the mid-1990s, which had severe physical consequences, including the erosion of her nasal septum.

9. Addiction and Rehabilitation: Her addiction became a major public issue. She was often seen in the media struggling with her addiction and facing the consequences of her actions. She has been to rehab multiple times, including a stint in 2000 where she claimed to be clean but was still using drugs.

10. Kidnapping and Gang Rape: During her period of addiction, she was kidnapped and gang-raped by drug dealers. This traumatic experience further complicated her life and contributed to her struggles with addiction.

11. Public Image: The tabloids often documented her struggles with addiction, publishing pictures of her in a state of disarray. This public scrutiny added to her personal turmoil and made it difficult for her to maintain a positive public image.

Turning Point and Redemption

Danniella's life took a significant turn when she sought redemption and embraced a new path.

12. Conversion to Christianity: In 2012, she gave an exclusive interview detailing her conversion to Christianity and her newfound love for clean living. This marked a significant turning point in her life.

13. Autobiographies: She has written two autobiographies: The Other Side of Nowhere (2006) and Faith, Hope and Clarity (2013). These books openly document her struggles with addiction, her experiences with sexual abuse, and her journey towards Christianity.

Personal Life and Relationships

Danniella's personal life has been as eventful as her career, with multiple relationships and family milestones.

14. Marriage and Relationships: She has been married twice: first to Ben Morgan in 1998 after an eight-week relationship, and then to Kevin Jenkins in 2001. She has also been romantically involved with several other men, including Brian Harvey and Robert Fernandez.

15. Children: She has two children: Kai Jordan Westbrook, born to Robert Fernandez in 1996, and Jodie B Jenkins, born to Kevin Jenkins in 2001.

Reality TV and Other Ventures

Beyond EastEnders, Danniella has appeared in various reality TV shows and other television projects.

16. Reality TV Appearances: She has appeared in various reality TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother (2016), where she reached the final and finished in fifth place, and Dancing on Ice (2010), where she finished fourth with her partner Matthew Gonzalez.

17. Other TV Shows: She has also appeared in other TV shows such as Hollyoaks (2013) as Trudy Ryan and Mob Handed (2016) as the mother.

Health and Public Perception

Danniella's health issues and public perception have been significant aspects of her life.

18. Facial Reconstructive Surgery: Due to the damage caused by her cocaine addiction, she has undergone facial reconstructive surgery to repair her nose. Despite these efforts, she continues to face online abuse and trolls who mock her appearance.

19. Current Life: She has been open about her struggles with addiction and her journey towards recovery. She continues to be involved in various projects, including her autobiography and public speaking engagements.

Philanthropy and Personal Growth

Danniella has shown a commitment to giving back and personal development.

20. Philanthropy: She has shown her philanthropic side by offering her taxi driver a job if he ever needs it. She and her husband, Kevin Jenkins, have also sold their taxi company, marking another significant milestone in her life.

21. Bucket List: Her bucket list includes seeing Paul Weller in concert and meeting up with her friends in Vegas. Despite turning 40, she remains optimistic about her future and has no intention of experiencing a mid-life crisis.

22. New Book Release: Her new book, Faith, Hope and Clarity, was released in 2013. This book is more honest and open than her previous work, detailing her struggles with addiction and her conversion to Christianity.

Influence and Legacy

Danniella's story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of mental health and addiction support.

23. Public Perception: Despite her past struggles, she has managed to regain a positive public image. Her humility, warmth, and openness about her experiences have helped her build a loyal fan base.

24. Influence on Mental Health: Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health and addiction support. She has spoken out about the lack of funding for rehabilitation in the UK and the need for more support systems.

25. Community Involvement: She believes in the importance of community involvement, particularly in times of economic hardship. She has advocated for the Church to step up and support those in need, highlighting issues like food bank usage and children in care.

26. Personal Growth: Her journey towards Christianity has been a significant part of her personal growth. She wears a crucifix and has the Bible verse Isaiah 54:17 tattooed on her wrist, symbolizing her faith and resilience.

27. Social Media Abuse: Despite her efforts to stay positive, she continues to face online abuse. She has spoken out about the hate she receives from trolls, emphasizing the need for kindness and compassion online.

Career Milestones and Net Worth

Danniella's career milestones and financial status reflect her journey through the entertainment industry.

28. Career Milestones: Her career milestones include her appearances in EastEnders, Hollyoaks, and Celebrity Big Brother. She has also competed in Dancing on Ice and presented various television shows.

29. Net Worth: As of 2020, her net worth is approximately £500,000. Her income comes from her acting career, reality TV appearances, and book sales.

30. Legacy: Her legacy extends beyond her acting career. She is an inspiration to many who have struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Her story serves as a testament to the power of redemption and the importance of seeking help.

Danniella Westbrook: A Story of Resilience

Danniella Westbrook's life is a testament to resilience and transformation. From her early days as a child model to becoming a household name on EastEnders, she's faced incredible highs and devastating lows. Her battle with addiction, public scrutiny, and personal trauma didn't define her; instead, they showcased her strength. Westbrook's journey through rehab, her conversion to Christianity, and her openness about her struggles have inspired many. Despite the challenges, she continues to work in television, write, and engage in public speaking. Her story highlights the importance of mental health support and the power of redemption. Westbrook's legacy isn't just about her acting career but also her courage to confront her demons and rebuild her life. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how tough things get, there's always a path to recovery and hope.