Myleene Klass has accused Celebs Go Dating of pressuring Vanessa Feltz after the presenter felt “split” when she was introduced to a date exactly like her cheating ex-fiancé Ben Ofoedu.
The 45-year-old television personality took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday to defend Vanessa, 61, after she was rejected by dating experts Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Brunson on the show last week.
She had told them that she felt “trapped and triggered” by her date – who “looks exactly like my ex, sounds exactly like my ex and is in the same business as my ex” – while they tried to convince her to give your date a chance.
Vanessa joined Celebs Go Dating just months after splitting from Ben, 51, who she had been engaged to since 2006, after he publicly admitted to cheating on her while on tour.
Posting a snap of This Morning’s host looking uncomfortable on the show, Myleene said: “Gaslighting (noun); “A form of emotional abuse in which the truth is intentionally manipulated or distorted to instill self-doubt in someone.”
Blow after blow: Myleene Klass has accused Celebs Go Dating of pressuring Vanessa Feltz after the presenter felt “dismembered” when she was introduced to a date who was like her cheating ex
‘I’m horrified’: Vanessa told dating experts she felt ‘trapped and triggered’ by her date – who ‘looks exactly like my ex, sounds like my ex and is in the same business as my ex’
Furious: Myleene, 45, took to her Instagram Stories to defend Vanessa, 61, on Thursday
She continued, “@vanessafeltzofficial is my dear friend.” I’ve known this beautiful soul for years. I fully appreciate that I’m directly supporting the show’s intentions here, but when you stay silent you become part of the larger problem, so I stand by VV: She’s smart, kind, and a legend of a woman, both professionally as well as privately.
“Many are intimidated in her presence; after all, she is a wordsmith and refreshingly bright.” She is also human. “The Agency” put them in a vulnerable position where NO person, famous or not, should be intentionally placed.
“I think we can all agree with the wealth of experience, information and psychologists that are available. They knew exactly what impact it would have on her if she brought up what appeared to be a nearly identical memory of the person who had betrayed and abused her trust, her heart and her wallet.”
“By the way, the date was as much their plaything as the quasi-love gods that were playing with everyone involved.” We’ve all been in situations where people have taken advantage of us, but to see V being misrepresented and shamed in this way , is not okay, especially after boldly bouncing back and being back out there giving hope to many.
‘V, many taken by surprise stand behind you for your courage. Watching the agents gas you has made for an uncomfortable sight. What should have been light-hearted fun has taken a pretty Machiavellian twist.
“All may be fair in love and war, but in the end you will win,” Myleene concluded.
Myleene responded to last week’s broadcast in which Vanessa was removed from the date and scolded by agents Paul and Anna for being too “closeted” after watching her become distant.
Confused, the broadcaster told them, “This is identical to the relationship I just got out of.”
“So yeah, I’m totally closed off, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” That’s how I am. I clearly said I don’t want to go back there and you should understand when I say it for the first time.
Date: Myleene responded to last week’s show where Vanessa was removed from the date and scolded by agents Paul and Anna for being too “closed off”.
Awkward Date: Confused, the broadcaster told them, “This is identical to the relationship I just got out of.” So yeah, I’m totally closed off, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Breakup: Vanessa joined Celebs Go Dating just months after splitting from Ben, who she was engaged to since 2006, over his public infidelity (pictured in 2008)
Defensive: Paul said, “I feel like you’re after me and I just showed you respect.”
Paul said, “I feel like you’re after me, and I’ve always been just respectful of you.”
Vanessa has now found an unlikely army of Gen Z supporters on TikTok, who have accused the Channel 4 show’s matchmakers of “putting pressure” on her over her open behavior.
One person on the podium said: “The agents condemn you for good television. I admire Vanessa for speaking her mind, you go girl.”
Another wrote: “Older women know their own minds, they have experience and it breaks her heart. “She has specifically told them what kind of person she needs right now and they are definitely not listening to her.”
Another said: “Women her age know what they want and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Vanessa was criticized for her “closed” approach to potential love matches and her “sulking” after appearing on the Channel 4 show, which sees single celebrities join an exclusive dating agency.
This week, the presenter accused the network bosses of “splitting up” her on the show and portraying her in a bad light.
She told The Mail: “I had no idea the editors would split me up like that. “I would always be on my best behavior for hours and then they would always show me looking so drunk at the end.
“If I wasn’t so pouty, they wouldn’t have shown it.” Dating for sure, but dating in front of thousands of people. “I’ve learned not to do reality TV anymore.”
She said, “There was such a complicated and tangled web of lies.” I have no idea what really happened. I can’t stand you saying his name.”
Members of Generation Z have also come to her defense over the breakup, writing on TikTok: “She’s not terrible by any means.”
“She still needs time to process the recent breakup.” She’s obviously still heartbroken. We are with you, darling.’
Web has reached out to Channel 4, Lime Pictures and Anna and Paul’s representatives for comment.