Tyler West Opens Up About The Traumatic Event Age 14 That Shaped His Life

2025-12-23

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Radio DJ and Presenter Tyler West sits down with Paul for a raw and emotional conversation about the life-defining moments that have shaped him. From witnessing a brutal attack at just 14 years old to his rise on Strictly Come Dancing and his relationship with girlfriend Molly Rainford, Tyler shares the untold stories of the struggles he’s overcome and the resilience he’s built in the face of unimaginable challenges. Tyler opens up about the harrowing impact of witnessing a violent attack right outside his bedroom window and how it sha...

Tyler opens up about the harrowing impact of witnessing a violent attack right outside his bedroom window and how it shaped his mental health for years. For the first time, he talks about the dark thoughts he kept hidden from his mum.

He reflects on his journey from the streets of Sutton to landing a spot on CBBC, eventually competing on Strictly Come Dancing, where he met the love of his life, Molly Rainford. Tyler reveals the struggles that followed the high of Strictly, including the emotional crash that no one talks about after the limelight fades.

Tyler shares:

◽The shocking details of a crime he witnessed and how it haunted him for years

◽His relationship with his brother and how they communicate their emotions openly

◽How he met girlfriend Molly Rainford on Strictly and fell in love

◽The crash he faced after Strictly and the hidden realities of fame

◽The truth about their time on Race Across The World with Molly

◽How he's feeling about taking over the KISS Breakfast Show

◽Why he believes mental health awareness is crucial and how he’s advocating for change

Tyler West, We Need To Talk

This conversation includes discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. We’ve included support charities below:

Samaritans: https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb

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https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
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(00:00) Intro

(01:56) Paul and Tyler's Connection Through Sutton

(02:37) What Was the Sutton Tyler Grew Up In Like?

(06:27) What Did Tyler Learn About Love From His Family?

(08:22) Paul Shows Tyler a Photo of Him as a Baby

(09:06) Tyler's Relationship With His Mother as a Child

(11:19) Tyler's Relationship With His Brother Growing Up Through to Adulthood

(14:25) Paul Surprises Tyler With a Letter From His Brother