What Now star's transformation I DIDN'T KNOW LIFE COULD BE THIS GOOD

After years of battling crippling anxiety in a difficult marriage, Serena Cooper has found new purpose as a therapist

- Leena Tailor

Whether it was milking cows, reporting on the Black Eyed Peas or interviewing Kiwi celebrities, life as a children's television host was full of fun for Serena Cooper. Few would have guessed that behind her on-screen smiles, the What Now presenter was battling fear, anxiety and crumbling confidence while feeling trapped in a difficult marriage.

Fifteen years later, the pain's still evident in the 36-year-old's voice as she opens up about her darkest moments in a bid to help others find the courage to leave unhealthy relationships.

"I masked things well on What Now," she reflects. "I loved the job, so I tried to keep going." Serena was 18 when she landed What Now, fresh out of NZ Broadcasting School, where she found love with her now ex-husband, a fellow student.

"We were both excitable and fresh in the industry, so really connected. Then it was this whirlwind of, 'Let's get married!' We were young and making impulsive decisions. There was also pressure in my community to find a partner, have kids and do that checkbox-life thing."

Following an engagement at Dreamworld, Australia, the pair wed in Christchurch shortly after Serena's 21st birthday.

"We both had heaps of family, so I remember having a massive wedding with almost 200 people. It went by so quickly and felt like a daze."

Weeks later, while holidaying with her in-laws over summer, Serena says she started experiencing issues with her ex after expressing her desire to cut their trip short so they could enjoy some time as newlyweds at their own home.