TV legend Vanessa Feltz has slammed Celebs Go Dating as “hell” – after she was a victim of “gaslighting” by the show’s agents.
The national treasure, who took part on the E4 dating show in 2023, previously hit out at the show’s editing after she was accused of being “rude” and “arrogant” on dates.
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Her close pal Myleene Klass went as far as to accuse Celebs Go Dating of “gaslighting” Vanessa – after she stormed out of a date with a musician who reminded her of her ex Ben Ofoedu.
This week Vanessa opened up about her experience on her brand new Channel 5 show with Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney.
During a segment about finding love later in life, Vanessa welcomed dating expert Lara Asprey.
Dating guru Lara said: “I think the viewers watching would love to date you [Vanessa].
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Vanessa was quick to disagree and said: “Oh do me a favour, give me a break.”
Soap star Claire said: “You tried it on Celebs Go Dating,” to which Vanessa replied: “It was hell, it was absolute hell,” as she scowled.
Speaking last year after the show aired, Vanessa admitted she’d had “shocking feedback”.
She told This Morning: “It’s reality TV not real life. It’s an incredibly difficult thing to do.
She added: “On the other hand I’m a veteran of reality TV, so I should know now that’s how it works. I was just trying to get back in the saddle.”
However, Myleene was quick to stand up for her close friend – as she slammed the dating agents.
Sharing the definition of ‘gaslighting’, Myleene said: “Vanessa Feltz is my dear friend. I’ve known this beautiful soul for years.
“I fully appreciate I’m playing straight into the shows intentions here, but if you remain silent you become part of the wider problem, so I stand by V.
“V is smart, kind and a legend of a woman both professionally and personally.
“Many are intimidated in her presence, she is after all a wordsmith and refreshingly bright. She is also human.
“The agency’ put her in a vulnerable position that NO person, famous or not, should intentionally be placed.
“I think we can all agree with the wealth of experience, information, and psychologists to hand, they knew exactly what effect placing a SEEMINGLY near identical reminder of the person who had betrayed and abused her trust, heart and purse would have on her.
“BTW the date was just as much their pawn as the quasi love Gods toyed with all involved.
“We’ve all been in positions where people have taken advantage of us but to see V misrepresented and gas lit in this way isn’t ok especially after she bravely picked herself up and is getting back out there giving hope to many.
“V, many who have been blindsided stand behind you for your sheer bravery.
“Watching the agents gaslight you has made for uncomfortable viewing.
“What should be lighthearted fun has taken a rather machiavellian turn.
“All may be fair in love and war after all but you will win in the end.”
However, hitting back – love guru Paul Brunson told The Sun: “You know what’s so interesting about Vanessa, who we all adore, is that she was critical of the project, but if you asked her ‘would you come back’, do you know what she would say?
“She would say ‘in a heartbeat’ and I think that goes to show how powerful the project is, how powerful the agency is, where you can have a critique of something but you still want to be part of that something.”
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