Danniella Westbrook reveals career change: ‘Can’t sit here waiting to act’

Danniella Westbrook has found a solution to her lack of work – she's going back to school.

danniella1

by Jack White |
Published on

The 41-year-old confirmed the news on Twitter, admitting she's struggling to get acting work.

Instead of dwelling on this, the former EastEnders star is switching careers. She said: "Applying for a course to become a care worker for the elderly.. Retraining at 41 is quite exciting. #NewBeginnings #StillActingToo."

Danniella, who rose to fame playing Sam Mitchell in the BBC One soap, insisted she's not leaving acting behind for good.

She added: "Well can't sit here waiting to act, so I want to do a carers course, will do acting as and when it turns up. I life 2 be busy & help others [sic]."

Her followers rushed to wish her luck, with one writing: "A great attitude. Hope some acting work turns up soon."

Another said: "Good for you Danni I'm well impressed. U make a good carer. All the best think u will enjoy it [sic]."

It's been a tough 12 months for Danniella. She's had a very public on/off relationship with cage fighter Tom Richards, 24, financial troubles resulted in her becoming homeless and she admitted to taking cocaine again.

Last night Danniella praised her former EastEnders co-stars as they took part in a live episode to celebrate the soap's 30th anniversary.

She tweeted: "@AdamWoodyatt sat and cried my eyes out watching u and @LauriebrettX amazing as ever x well done you lot @bbceastenders bloody brilliant [sic]."

Gallery

EastEnders, children, addiction and kidnap: The highs and lows of Danniella Westbrook

Danniella Westbrook1 of 26

Danniella Westbrook

She's one of the most controversial stars of the last decade and Danniella Westbook's life could be something pulled straight out the soap that made her famous. From the immense highs to the dark lows, here's her life in pictures.

danni32 of 26

danni3

40-years-old, born 5 November 1973.

danni43 of 26

danni4

She is originally from Walthamstow, London but she grew up in Loughton, Essex.

danni64 of 26

danni6

She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School, alongside Denise Van Outen and Emma Bunton.

danni75 of 26

danni7

Her first job was modelling for Asda when she was just seven. She continued modelling for brands including Next and Coca-Cola.

danni86 of 26

danni8

Her first job on albert Square was actually when she was 11-years-old, when she appeared as a roller skating extra.

danni97 of 26

danni9

A local newspaper ran the picture of her as an EastEnders' extra with the caption: "who knows, one day she may be the show's star".

danni108 of 26

danni10

She made her debut as Sam Mitchell on EastEnders when she was just 16, in 1990.

danni119 of 26

danni11

Her soap fame led to her regularly using cocaine on the London club scene.

danni1210 of 26

danni12

She dated singer Brian Harvey until 1995.

danni1311 of 26

danni13

Danniella's addiction to the Class A drug started to affect her work and EastEnders terminated her contract in 1996.

danni1412 of 26

danni14

By the time she was 21, Danniella was spending £400-a-day on her addiction to cocaine.

dannikai13 of 26

dannikai

While pregnant with her first son Kai, Danniella was taking 5g of coke a day.

danni1514 of 26

danni15

In 2000 Danniella was pictured at the British Soap Awards with her septum missing.

danni1615 of 26

danni16

Six months later she entered rehab for the first time.

danni1716 of 26

danni17

In December 2001 Danniella married businessman Kevin Jenkins.

danni1817 of 26

danni18

She gave birth to their daughter Jody B three months earlier.

danniimaceleb18 of 26

danniimaceleb

Danniella took part in the 2003 series of I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

danni1919 of 26

danni19

Following her stint in the jungle, Danniella moved to Orange County, California and claimed she didn't want to be a celebrity anymore.

danni2020 of 26

danni20

In 2009 Danniella returned to EastEnders temporarily.

danni2121 of 26

danni21

She and her husband and children moved back to the UK permanently in 2011.

danni2222 of 26

danni22

Danniella revealed last year that during the height of her addiction she was kidnapped and gang raped.

danni2323 of 26

danni23

She started dating 24-year-old cage fighter Tom Richards following her split from Kevin in January this year.

danni2424 of 26

danni24

In June Danniella miscarried her and Tom's baby.

danni2525 of 26

danni25

Danniella revealed in August that she had returned to drugs, admitting that she had split from Tom and slept with her dealer.

danni2826 of 26

danni28

Her dad Andy was a cab driver and her mum Sue was a shop assistant.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us