Controversial comedian Dapper Laughs, aka Daniel O’Reilly, is making a comeback to the public eye almost six years after he was sensationally dropped by ITV.
The social media star, 35, was sacked by ITV in 2014 after a video of Daniel’s alter-ego Dapper Laughs suggesting an audience member was “gagging for a rape” was made public.
More than 60,000 people signed an online petition calling the broadcaster to sack the star criticising his “misogynistic views” and stating that the programme normalised “everyday sexism” for both men and women.
ITV later decided that they would not commission a second series of ITV2 show Dapper Laughs: On The Pull.
Daniel O’Reilly is making a comeback in West End show Time after taking some time out of the limelight
Speaking to Daily Star Online six years after “killing off” Dapper Laughs, Daniel said: “I lost everything.
“There was a petition to get me off television and it did leave me f***ked up.
“I am now ready to show people the more serious side and I’m so overwhelmed I’ve been given a chance to show people a different side.”
Former performing arts student Daniel is making his big comeback in West End show Time this week alongside Hollyoaks star Paul Danan.
Daniel set it “felt amazing” to be given the lead role in the West End production
“The most important thing for me work wise is following my dreams in performing arts and my love for musical theatre and acting.
“After being cast in this West End play Time, I was back to what I loved doing and trained in for years.
“I love comedy and social media but when I auditioned and got the role it felt amazing as it’s a far cry from Dapper Laughs, it’s me as a real actor.”
After having a taste on stage, Daniel penned his own show named Dying to be Funny, which is about his personal life and the struggles he went through from getting a huge amount of backlash from media about his controversial comments.
He took some time out of the limelight to reflect on his mistakes and deal with his mental health struggles.
The social media star is the father to two young daughters (Image: INSTAGRAM/ DAPPER LAUGHS)
Speaking about his latest project, Celebrity Big Brother 2018 contestant Daniel said: “Dying To Be Funny is a lot more personal.
“I’ve been very open about my struggles with mental health and the response I’ve had from people going through the same thing gave me the confidence to create this personal stage play.”
He continued: “The script is fun, gritty and real and I hope it raises awareness on suicide in young men and shows people there are brighter days to come and to get through it.”
Father-of-two Daniel is due to get married to his fiancée Shelly Rae later this year and is in a good place in his life.
Daniel and Shelly are set to tie the knot later this year (Image: INSTAGRAM/ DAPPER LAUGHS)
The TV star would like to share his experiences and to help men to speak up and get help when they are struggling mentally.
As part of his personal journey, Daniel also recently took part in the first celebrity MMA fight to overcome his anxiety and to raise money for a charity that helps reduce suicide in young men.
Time will be running at the Tristan Bates Theatre February 15. For more information or to book tickets please visit actorscentre.co.uk.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
