I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! champion Giovanna Fletcher has revealed being bullied inspired her to become a ‘more compassionate’ person.
The mother-of-three, 35, said her own experience with bullies ‘shaped her’ into a kinder individual, and motivated her to enrol in theatre school, where she met her now-husband Tom Fletcher.
Giovanna won the hearts of the nation with her kind and loving nature in the I’m A Celebrity camp, and was crowned the show’s first ever Queen of the Castle on Friday.
Kind: I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! champion Giovanna Fletcher, 35, has revealed being bullied inspired her to become a ‘more compassionate’ person
Speaking to The Sun, Giovanna admitted bullies used to call her cruel names and push her into the rose bushes at school leaving her covered with thorns.
While she believes bullying is taken more seriously in schools today, she said the experience inspired her to enrol in the Sylvia Young Theatre School.
‘I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not been bullied — it shapes you,’ she said.
‘I had name calling at school between the ages of seven and nine. It was physical, too.’
Progress: The mother-of-three, 35, said her own experience with bullies ‘shaped her’ into a kinder individual, and motivated her to enrol in theatre school
Giovanna said she found solace in singing during her most difficult school years, and applied to attend Sylvia Young by phoning them without her parents knowledge.
She added: ‘Had I not been bullied I wouldn’t have had that time to let that imagination flourish. I also don’t think I would be as compassionate as I am today. I really care about people knowing that they’re not on their own.’
On Saturday, Giovanna was reunited with her sons Buzz, six, Buddy, four, and Max, two, after being crowned I’m A Celebrity champion.
The author was praised by fans and her celebrity pals for her kind and supportive nature in the camp, and her unflinching approach to the series’ gruelling trials.
Sweet: Giovanna won the hearts of the nation with her kind and loving nature in the I’m A Celebrity camp, and was crowned the show’s first ever Queen of the Castle on Friday night
Giovanna also praised The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle for speaking publicly about the heartache of suffering a miscarriage earlier this year, after discussing the loss of her own baby in 2017.
In a previous interview with The Sun the star said: ‘It’s amazing to hear that Meghan has spoken about it, I’d love to interview her on the podcast.
‘I think it’s so admirable and amazing for her to share what is a really raw and upsetting thing to go through.’
She added: ‘I had a miscarriage before Buzz and it took me years to be able to talk about it, but once you do it’s hugely comforting to know that you’re not alone.’
Happy couple: The author also revealed she’s planning to renew her vows with husband Tom Fletcher, after they married in 2012
Giovanna continued that she believes it is important to be ‘open’ about miscarriages as hearing others speak about it can help with finding the words to ‘understand what you’re going through.’
On Saturday Giovanna returned to Instagram to pen a sweet message after reuniting with her three sons.
She told her followers: ‘Mumma Gi here and I’m thrilled to say I’m home with my boys and Tom and soaking up all the kisses and cuddles I’ve missed.
‘They’ve been extremely excited to talk to me about all the trials, wear my crown (they think they’re now Princes and that we’re moving into the castle), and then make me watch their new favourite show… @imacelebrity
‘Three weeks ago I walked into a Welsh castle and straight into the arms of 11 wonderful humans for what felt like the most uplifting, hilarious and emotional camping trip of all time.
Sweet: On Saturday, I’m A Celebrity winner Giovanna was reunited with her three sons Buzz, six, Buddy, four, and Max, two, as she returned home after leaving the camp
‘Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a scary but amazing thing, and I’m so glad I took on this adventure alongside the incredible @jessicakate_plummer @vicderbyshire @beverleycallard @ruthiehenshallofficial @holliearnold8 @vernonkay @jordannorth1 @theshanerichie @aj11ace @gomofarah @officialrussellwatson
‘It’s been a whirlwind 24hours and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support – whether you’ve watched along and laughed (and cried) with us, commented or voted. It’s been a total blast.
‘Huge love to @antanddec for being complete and utter legends – even when making me eat a bull’s penis. I also have to give a shout out to EVERY SINGLE person who works on the show – you helped make this so special.’
Giovanna concluded her message by saying: ‘And finally… @tomfletcher, I love you so much. Thank you for your endless love and support. Big love, your Queen of the Castle. Xxxx’
Family: Giovanna revealed she found solace in singing after being bullied at school, and was inspired to apply for the Sylvia Young Theatre School where she met husband Tom