Kirsty Gallacher on teenage struggle as she reveals 'terrible' impact of bullying

Former Gladiators host Kirsty Gallacher has opened up about it a "difficult situation" that she experienced as a teenager. The presenter has said that she was bullied at school and was "juggling a lot" at that time in her life.

Kirsty, 49, who's the daughter of professional golfer Bernard Gallacher, said that having a well known parent contributed to the situation. The former Sky Sports News host shared that she faced an eating disorder and anxiety amid being bullied, adding that she still "struggles" with the latter now.

She spoke about the experience on the new podcast , hosted by former Sky News and GB News presenter Isabel Webster, 42. The podcast, which launched with its first episode earlier this month, is said to celebrate "resilience, reinvention, and the courage to start again".

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Carney's life – bullied at school to Lioness success

The next episode of New Chapters, which will be released tomorrow, features Kirsty as a guest. She reflects on her life and career, including discussing having faced "jealousy" at school and struggling to navigate the experience.

Kirsty told Isabel: "School was very hard for me. I went to an all girls private school and my sis had a great time there." She added in the discussion: "Mine was not good." The podcast host then asked her guest: "In what way?"

Responding, Kirsty said: "Jealousy. My dad was at the height of his career and there were a lot of girls who didn't like that I had a well known dad. Hard to navigate. Caused me quite a few issues in life - where I've not trusted people."

She continued by saying: "I was bullied. Bullied for being too ..." Kirsty went on to mention being "good at sport" and having a "famous father," before adding: "And I was a happy child and some kids didn't like that."

Isabel described that as "tall poppy syndrome," which is understood to refer to people being criticised for their success. She asked: "How did that manifest itself?" Kirsty told her: "Oh terrible. I had anxiety - I still struggle with it."

After the host shared that she does too, Kirsty said: "Anxiety is the monkey on my back and I'm sorry that you do too. It's one of those things that never goes away. It's how do you mange it. For me it's always - am I doing a good enough job. And I think that's part of the job we are in. Sadly. I care. I care what people think. I am an empath and I do get myself worked up sometimes."

Kirsty said: "But, certainly I had a big anxiety problem in my teenage years." She added: "I managed to conquer an eating disorder at school - it didn't go too far - but I lost a bit of control because I didn't know how I could control this situation at school."

She told Isabel that she was "juggling a lot" at the time. Kirsty then shared: "Trying to do my best and please people and navigating a difficult situation and a difficult year as in form - some girls were difficult and I found it all very hard."

The first episodes of New Chapters are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms with new episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays.

If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk. For help and support on eating disorders contact Beat Eating Disorders on 0808 801 0677.

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