This Morning viewers have praised Ruth Dodsworth for her bravery as she appeared on the show.
The ITV weather presenter appeared on Wednesday's edition of the ITV programme to speak to hosts Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes after her ex-husband was jailed last week following a nine-year campaign of controlling behaviour, harassment and stalking against her during their marriage.
Jonathan Wignall, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking before he was due to stand trial last month.
He was sentenced to a total of three years in custody, of which he will serve half before being released on licence, and was also given a restraining order against contacting Ms Dodsworth.
Ruth fought back tears as she appeared via video link during the trial as she said: "Because of my television career I’ve had to try and portray a smiley, happy, sunshine-like personality every day, when how I felt was everything but."
Speaking on This Morning, she explained what her life was like "at its worst" which she said was under two years ago.
She said she has been going to work for ITV news in Wales but was receiving "hundreds of phone calls" from Wignall a day and he'd turn up at the office.
"That particular day he started drinking quite early in the day," Ruth said. "By the time my children got home from school they were phoning me saying, 'Mum, don't come home. He's going to kill you.'
"I think for me, that was a turning point.
"I didn't go home that night because I think if I had, I wouldn't be here now in any shape or form.
"It took confining in someone else and them saying if you don't ring the police I will."
Viewers watching at home rushed to social media to show their support for the ITV regular.
"Ruth is incredibly brave speaking out today. What she has been through is just horrific #ThisMorning," tweeted one.
Another said: "Huge huge respect to Ruth for coming on and telling her story so openly and bravely today. Breaks my heart to know there are people suffering in silence, hopefully this will give them the strength to seek help."
"Watching @Ruth_ITV on #thismorning in tears. Thank you for sharing your story which will help so many people," a third added.
A fourth said: "Well done Ruth!! Sharing stories like this is so so hard!! What a strong amazing beautiful woman We salute you #ThisMorning."
