Danny Cipriani has revealed he considered killing himself, in a video released in the wake of ex-girlfriend Caroline Flack’s death.

The England rugby international posted an 18-minute speech on social media in a effort to improve the discussion surrounding mental health and people in the public eye.

The 32-year-old revealed he shared conversations with Flack over the past month and that she had attempted to call him and texted him on Friday night, hours before she took her own life.

Cipriani, who was unavailable at the time due to his involvement in Gloucester’s Premiership loss to Exeter, said “embarrassment and shame” killed the former Love Island presenter.

He also discussed his own “severe depression” at 22, which he said led to several failed attempts to buy a gun to take his own life.

”I met a guy who was at a nightclub, he ended up being around,” Cipriani said. 

“I knew he was a bad man, was in the scene, trying to make his way in whatever he was doing.  

“I decided at this point it was time for me to take my own life and I tried to buy a gun from him. And I pulled out. Then I tried to buy it again, but I pulled out. 

“This went on for two months. I couldn’t do it. Because I had some fight in me.”

Flack's death has prompted a renewed debate around the effects of press intrusion in the lives of celebrities and the impact of negative coverage involving prominent figures.

The presenter had been the focus of a number of stories after she was charged with assault following a domestic incident involving her partner in December.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. 

For services local to you, the national mental health database- Hub of Hope – allows you to enter your postcode to search for organisations and charities who offer mental health advice and support in your area.

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