Jon Lee Opens Up About Loss and Recovery on Celebs Go Dating

Former S Club 7 member Jon Lee shared an emotional story of loss and recovery during a recent episode of *Celebs Go Dating*. The singer opened up about the devastating impact of his father’s death in 2014 due to Motor Neurone Disease, revealing that he struggled deeply after the loss.

Speaking candidly with dating experts Anna Williamson and Dr. Tara while in Ibiza, Lee described how his father’s illness had coincided with a personal crisis—discovering that his boyfriend had been unfaithful throughout their relationship. “I had an emotional slap from this relationship, and then that happened. Everything fell apart,” he explained, highlighting the emotional toll both events took on him.

As the conversation progressed, Lee became visibly upset when discussing his close bond with his father. He recounted the heart-wrenching deterioration of his father’s health, stating, “Within the first year, he’d completely lost the ability to move, he couldn’t speak, he had to be fed through a tube in his stomach.” Lee expressed his anguish, saying, “To go out like that, I literally lost the plot. It broke my heart.”

Struggling with overwhelming grief, Lee turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. “I went out, I was taking loads of drugs. I went completely off the rails,” he admitted. This period of turmoil culminated in a dramatic decision to leave everything behind. He recalled packing his belongings and sending a heartfelt letter to his mother, explaining, “I don’t know where I’m going, I don’t know what I’m doing, but I need to sort myself out.”

For four years, Lee distanced himself from his family, including his mother, who feared for his wellbeing. “Every time the phone rang she thought it was going to be the police saying, ‘We found Jon and he’s dead,'” he said, reflecting on the emotional pain he caused her. This regret weighs heavily on him as he continues to navigate his recovery.

In addition to sharing his personal struggles, Lee also discussed the challenges he faced regarding his sexuality during his time with S Club 7. He revealed that he felt compelled to hide his true self while in the band, not fully exploring his romantic relationships until after their disbandment in 2003. “Throughout the band, I wasn’t comfortable with my sexuality at all,” he noted, explaining that he only began to embrace his identity after stepping away from the limelight.

Lee’s participation in the dating agency comes after a six-year hiatus from romantic relationships. In the first episode, he disclosed that he had been celibate during this time. Dr. Tara, who has been working closely with Lee, expressed her surprise at his openness. “Jon has had a really interesting journey since S Club and I know a lot of it hasn’t been shared anywhere else,” she stated, hinting at revelations yet to come.

As Lee continues to share his story, he invites viewers to witness not just his journey through grief and recovery, but also his efforts to understand himself and reconnect with his family. His participation in *Celebs Go Dating* marks a significant step in this process, as he seeks to find love while navigating the complexities of his past.