FOLLOWING A HIGHLY-CHARGED and emotionally draining stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house in August and September of this year, you’d assume Ryan Thomas would likely rue the day he ever signed up to participate in the long-running reality TV show.
Falsely accused of assault by fellow housemate, Roxanne Pallett, the Coronation Street actor endured a devastating few days when it looked like Roxanne had successfully convinced their mutual housemates that Ryan had punched her.
Despite being eventually vindicated and ultimately crowned the winner of Celebrity Big Brother, no one would blame the 34-year-old if he said he regretted his time on the show.
But, as it happens, he’s not one for looking back.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Ryan said that despite the false accusation and subsequent anguish, he’s happy he took part.
No matter what went on in there, I have no regrets about doing the show.
After displaying considerable strength of character in the face of adversity, Ryan won legions of new fans, with millions commending him for showing compassion and empathy towards Roxanne Pallett despite her behaviour.
“It was scary to show people the real Ryan Thomas, but I’m grateful people liked what they saw,” he told the magazine.
Indeed, his time on the show meant that the public finally separated him from his soap character.
After my time on Coronation Street, I didn’t think the level of attention could get any bigger, but it’s grown since Celebrity Big Brother. People don’t call me Jason Grimshaw anymore; they call me Ryan.
“Every time I go out I get people stopping me to say hello and wanting to give me a hug,” he added.
Roxanne Pallett has retreated from the public eye following her time on Celebrity Big Brother.
