Danniella Westbrook has made one of the most heartbreaking admissions of her life as she prepares for another major facial reconstruction surgery.
The former EastEnders star, now 52, revealed she still struggles to look at herself in the mirror and says she “hates” the way she looks after years of health complications linked to past drug addiction. Yet despite the emotional toll, she remains determined to rebuild both her face and her confidence.
“I Hate The Way I Look”
Speaking during an appearance on the final episode of Vanessa Feltz’s Channel 5 show, Danniella opened up with remarkable honesty about the difficult journey she continues to face.
“I have every faith in my surgeon,” she said. “I hate the way I look.”
Reflecting on the mistakes that changed her life, she added:
“I did abuse myself quite badly at one point in my life, so that has had consequences. I’m just getting on with it.”
The actress, 52, made the candid admission during an appearance on Vanessa Feltz’s last Channel 5 show, following its axe after just one year on air
During her latest TV appearance, Danniella revealed that her next surgery is scheduled for the end of September where they plan to ‘take a rib out’ pictured Lizzy Cundy, Vanessa Feltz and Danniella Westbrook)
Her words offered a deeply personal glimpse into the emotional impact of living with years of reconstructive surgeries while continuing to face public scrutiny.
Another Major Operation Awaits
Danniella revealed that her next operation is scheduled for the end of September and will be one of the most complex procedures yet.
Doctors are expected to remove part of one of her ribs to help rebuild damaged areas of her face as part of an 18-month reconstruction plan.
The actress explained that she has already undergone multiple operations and still has several more ahead.
“I’m coming up to surgery number six at the moment, so it’s quite scary.”
Rebuilding Bone Lost Over Time
Danniella also shared that osteoporosis has caused severe bone loss on one side of her face.
According to the actress, surgeons will eventually need to replace the missing bone with a specially designed metal cheekbone implant to restore the structure of her face.
At present, fillers are helping maintain her appearance, but they are only a temporary solution until the major reconstruction can be completed.
A Long Road To Recovery
Earlier this year, Danniella travelled to Dubai for extensive facial procedures, including a face and neck lift, brow lift, nose reconstruction and lip surgery.
More recently, she underwent surgery to reverse complications involving her upper lip after explaining it had gradually shifted upward and was affecting the symmetry of her face.
The surgeries are intended to repair years of damage following the collapse of her nasal septum and other facial complications.
Despite the physical challenges, Danniella says each procedure brings her one step closer to feeling comfortable in her own skin again.
Cruel Online Abuse
Alongside her medical journey, Danniella admitted she continues to receive deeply hurtful messages on social media.
She revealed that some online users have even told her to “die” or encouraged her to harm herself because of her appearance.
Rather than allowing the negativity to overwhelm her, Danniella said she now avoids reading many of the comments and focuses instead on the many supporters who continue to encourage her throughout her recovery.
“I’ve had terrible trolling,” she admitted, “but I’ve also had a lot of lovely people supporting me.”
Learning From The Past
Danniella has never hidden the role addiction played in changing her life.
She previously explained that cocaine became part of her world at a very young age, describing how the lifestyle once seemed glamorous before its devastating consequences became clear.
Looking back, she believes young actors entering the entertainment industry should receive far more guidance about the pressures of sudden fame and the dangers that can come with it.
She has also estimated that her addiction ultimately cost her around £250,000.
Today, instead of hiding from her past, Danniella is choosing to share it openly—hoping that her difficult journey may serve as a warning to others while showing that recovery, although long and painful, is still possible.
