In the early ’90s, millions watched as she grew up on TV — but just a few years later, cocaine addiction nearly claimed her life.This is the shocking story of Danniella Westbrook, one of the biggest soap opera stars the TV world has ever seen.Once a household name on EastEnders, a 16-year-old Daniella Westbrook captivated audiences with her fiery performance, becoming one of the UK’s most beloved soap stars.But behind the scenes, her rise to fame came at a steep price. Today, the actress faces the harsh realities of her past: crumbling bones, a collapsed jaw, and a shattered cheekbone — a consequence of years spent battling addiction.So how did this talented actress end up here?

Daniella Westbrook was born in 1973 and grew up in Loughton, just outside London. From a young age, she dreamed of fame, and by the time she was seven, she had already launched her modeling career. Unlike many in the entertainment industry, Daniella didn’t come from a showbiz background — her father was a taxi driver, and her mother worked as a shop assistant.Despite this, her career took off early. As a child model, she landed gigs with major global brands like Coca-Cola and Opel. One opportunity led to another, and before long, Daniella found herself stepping into the world of acting — an industry that would soon make her a household name.As a child, she played a young thief in Melvyn Bragg’s London Programme and even performed in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She also made a brief appearance in Grange Hill and starred in the music video for Queen’s The Invisible Man.