SHOW WAS MY SAVIOUR

Coleen’s life was in crisis

CELEB Big Brother winner Coleen Nolan says the show saved her marriage. The Loose Women star’s 17-year relationship with guitarist Ray Fensome had been in crisis. Just days before she entered the TV house a tearful Coleen admitted they were considering counselling and a trial separation. Yesterday, in her only newspaper chat, she told us: “Before I went in the house close friends who knew my situation were really worried. “But at that stage I thought, ‘I’m looking forward to getting locked away from all of it’. And although it was hard, I’m glad I did it. “I missed Ray while I was in the house, which was great. It’s made me realise how much I do need him in my life. “He’s working in America at the moment but when he’s back we’ll take it from there and hopefully work everything out. “Doing the show has helped a lot. It’s put a lot of things into perspective. There was so much time to think about things. It’s made me realise life is actually quite good.” Fragile ED GLEAVE Coleen has also been struggling with getting older because she fears Ray doesn’t fancy her anymore.

But being crowned champion has given her a much-needed boost.

Coleen, 51, said: “When I went in there I wasn’t in a great place with my confidence. I think that’s why it means so much for me to win it. It came at an amazing time in my life and gave me such a boost.

“I didn’t even think I’d get to the final. And when I did I was convinced Jedward were going to win. So I was shocked when I heard my name.”

Viewers saw Coleen have a string of tearful meltdowns in CBB as she struggled to cope with the pressure. She said: “I went in for a rest and I’ve come out needing rehab. The tasks were brutal every day. It really affected me.

“I realised how much I care what people think of me because that’s really important to me.

“I’ve learned that I am stronger than I thought I was.”