‘Emmerdale’ newcomer Sam Reece says meditation "really helped" him to feel better when he was feeling "so down".
The 26-year-old hunk landed a role in the ITV soap as B&B guest Mr Palmer, who was caught getting up to no good in the showers with a female guest on Thursday’s (28.03.19) episode, but off-screen he has encouraged people to talk if they are going through a difficult period in their lives.
Sam – who shot to fame when he appeared on Channel 4 show ‘First Dates’ in 2015 – told MailOnline: "Last year I went to see a counsellor twice. They recommended I try meditation, so I downloaded the HeadSpace app and it’s really helped.
"I didn’t know why I was so down, and talking to someone about how I was feeling made a massive difference.
"It’s important to speak to family and friends when you’re having a tough time, but sometimes talking to someone you know can work too.
"With everything that’s happened recently and the sad death of Mike Thalassitis, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness of mental health struggles, especially for men."
Sam is more familiar with ‘Hollyoaks’, or at least cast member Stephanie Davis (Sinead Shelby), who he previously dated, but he doesn’t appear to talk to her much nowadays.
When asked if he is still in contact with Steph, he replied: "Who?"
And the star admits he is pleased to have hooked up with his current girlfriend, school teacher Rachel.
Quizzed about her, he said: "Being with someone normal is the best thing I’ve ever done. I only wish I’d done it sooner."
Sam Reece turned to meditation after feeling ‘down’
