As I listened to the disturbing claims of domestic violence, on both sides, in the defamation lawsuit between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, I was immediately transported back to a painful time in my life when I suffered abuse at the hands of my then boyfriend.
I was 16 when Carl** and I started dating. We went to different schools and were both living with our parents, just around the corner from one another. I don’t remember where we met – maybe at a party – but sporting a rock band T-shirt, Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses, and smoking Dunhill cigarettes, he was one of the cooler kids roaming the streets of our small town. I couldn’t believe that someone like him would be interested in me.
He was the jealous type and, at first, I mistook his unhealthy behaviour for love. For example, I dreamed of being an actress, so I was often performing in plays with our local community theatre. Once, after a rehearsal, I found him waiting for me in his car. I was touched he’d taken the time to pick me up. But then on the drive home, he claimed one of the actors had been getting too close to me and that I should consider dropping out of the production, which I later did.
The benefits of waking up early
I can almost feel my daughters rolling their eyes at the thought of me writing about the joys of waking up early.
'Rylan makes me MILLIONS!
The presenter talks about his love life, professional success and his alter ego
GATSBY
He needed a home, but was Maria barking to even consider taking him in?
My mindset MAKEOVER
After losing 4st, the future is bright for Hazel James
Eat more WEIGH LESS
Feel fuller while losing weight with our exclusive plan from Slimming World
Autumn tricks YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stop cold, dark nights disturbing your sleep with these expert cheats
'HARRY WILL NOT BE BACK'
Reports of Prince Harry wanting to return to the UK and royal duties are, I’m told, ‘completely wrong’.
'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire
Would you keep CANCER A SECRET?
Model Elle Macpherson revealed she kept her battle with the disease hidden - we find out why many others choose to do the same
'Ruth has handled the split WITH DIGNITY'
Coleen Nolan on grief, supporting Ruth Langsford through divorce and moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones