Gogglebox star's 'devastating' split from TV co-star after 'traumatic' slow-motion end

Gogglebox's Daniel Lustig has spoken candidly about his "devastating" split from fellow TV star Stephen Webb. On Best's Suddenly Single podcast, he confessed to an excessive use of dating apps following their gradual separation, which raised concerns among his friends.

"For me, [the breakup] was traumatic and although I knew things weren't great, I didn't see it coming," Daniel shared.

He recounted how a trip to South Africa to visit a friend preceded the end of their relationship, with Stephen initiating the breakup during a seaside walk in the rain: "We were going for a walk by the sea, and it was raining and he said 'I have to talk to you. We need to separate,' and it was awful ... it was very upsetting. Completely devastating."

The 49 year old emphasised that despite the emotional turmoil, they maintained a level of decorum, avoiding any dramatic exits: "It was quite a slow process because we were completely entwined for so long, with our businesses, the dogs... We were so close in everything we did."

Daniel admitted that this breakup was unlike any he had experienced: "I have broken up with people in the past and I'm very good friends with them still, but it has it wasn't something as intense as this. This was a marriage.", reports the Liverpool Echo.

While their shared Brighton apartment is currently listed for sale, the pair have been living in separate rooms since Stephen, 53, joined the cast of E4's Celebs Go Dating.

Meanwhile, Daniel also plunged into the world of dating, embracing a variety of apps. He shared, "Once I got over the shock," and continued, "in the Summer I was going on date after date, I was on apps all the time, and now I realise I was trying to fill a void. Friends took me aside to ask if I was OK."

Daniel has since found a balance, noting: "Now I'm happy being single. I love going on dates but I don't need a long term relationship."

Cautious about dating someone from his past life with Stephen, Daniel is looking further afield: "I put 60 miles away from Brighton, which gets me to London. Brighton's too small, I know lots of the people I would be dating."

He added with enthusiasm, "You get off the train in London and there are attractive men everywhere! ".