Ray Shah revealed he vomited after meeting a psychologist who warned him about potential backlash of appearing on Big Brother.
The Dublin radio star, 44, who was the runner up in the 2003 series, spoke as it was revealed the reality TV show is returning next year.
He said he felt sick at the thought his family could receive negative criticism over his appearance – and warned new contestants the show could break them.
Read More: Irish Big Brother star Ray Shah opens up about ugly side of reality TV and 'toxic' fame game
Ray added: “A lot of people don’t realise that when you meet the psychologist, they give you the talk of doom. They tell you what can go wrong.
“At the time, my mam and dad were going through a divorce. They said this is what the press might pick up on.
“Also, I’m from a mixed race family. My dad is Kenyan and my mam is Irish. It’s mad when you think back, it’s not that big a deal. I remember meeting the psychologist and after leaving the hotel, I literally got sick outside.
“I was like, ‘I’m not putting myself or my family through this’. It was my decision. But a friend of mine said ‘if you don’t go through with this, you’ll regret not doing it’.”
Ray spent five months going through audition and assessments before entering the house – but said nothing could prepare him for being in the public eye.
He told RTE Radio One: “I had one of the best experiences from the show and afterwards as well.
“The likes of Big Brother can make or break you. There was no social media when I did it. There was no Instagram or Twitter.”
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