Danniella Westbrook in 2000. The actress’s nose was severely damaged by her cocaine use
 
Danniella during one of her many operations. She will fly to Dubai in the new year for anoth

Former EastEnders star Danniella Westbrook has opened up about the harrowing effects of her past cocaine addiction and the extreme reconstructive surgery that could finally restore her face — and potentially her acting career. To this day, the 52-year-old refuses to keep mirrors in her home, unable to confront the damage caused by decades of drug use. A paparazzi snap from 25 years ago revealed the collapse of her septum, worsened by years of cocaine abuse and osteoporosis. Multiple failed surgeries, including using her own rib cartilage, left her trapped on the fringes of showbusiness.

Now, after finding a surgeon she describes as a “miracle worker,” Danniella is preparing for a new series of operations, including a £45,000 full neck and facelift and several minor procedures over the next two years. “I couldn’t breathe properly, I hated the way I looked, and people were cruel online,” she admits, recalling the darkest days when she even contemplated being sectioned. Yet, with her mental health stabilizing and her family supporting her, she says: “I feel great. I can finally face myself.”

The now 52-year-old played Samantha Mitchell in BBC soap opera EastEnders
 
She says she would return to the show if her character is killed off, to ‘finish’ what she ‘started’

Beyond surgery, Danniella has launched a talent agency, W.1 Elite, promising clients a safer path through the entertainment industry than she had. “I want to leave a legacy for my kids,” she says, emphasizing her mission to protect young stars from the pitfalls of fame. The actress also aims to educate the public through a documentary about the effects of cocaine and her long journey of recovery.

Danniella, who shot to fame as Sam Mitchell in 1990, acknowledges her past mistakes but stresses the lessons she has learned. She has rebuilt relationships with her children Kai, 28, and Jodie, 24, and remains determined to help others battling addiction. “I’m proof you can come out the other side and rebuild your life and career,” she says.

Looking ahead, she hints at a possible EastEnders return, “If they killed me off, I would come back to finish the character I started.” For now, her focus remains on healing, regaining confidence, and finally rehanging the mirrors she removed years ago. “My mum asked me if we could put the mirrors back, and I said, ‘Yeah, I feel great,’” Danniella shares.

From devastating addiction to a potential career resurgence, Danniella’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the determination to reclaim her life and legacy.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/