Soap actress Sair Khan broke down as she talked about her mum’s death on Channel 4’s Sink or Swim for Stand Up To Cancer.
Sair, who plays Alya in Coronation Street, joins a host of other celebrities who will attempt to swim the English Channel.
Speaking about the tough challenge, Sair said it left her feeling “raw and vulnerable”.
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“What it’s actually opened up, it’s a Pandora’s box,” the actress admitted.
“I lost my mum earlier in the year and it’s been incredibly difficult for me.”
Following the show, she then paid a heartfelt tribute to her mum on her Instagram account.
Alongside a photo of herself and her mum, the TV star shared: “My Mum died. It’s so hard for me to say those words without getting a lump in my throat.
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Read more: James Argent fails to swim the Channel
“Let me tell you a thing or two about the lady I called Mama. She was strong and fierce and a little bit sassy. You definitely wouldn’t mess with her. In primary school I desperately wanted my independence, the last thing I wanted was my mother walking me to school.”
She added: “This year I have felt a loss so profound that my whole body has ached. I’ve cried enough tears to fill the English Channel. I’ve felt raw pain and i know I’m not the only one. I stand in solidarity with all of you who have lost a parent, a friend, or anyone that has shaped you into the person you are today.
Read more: Coronation Street’s Katie McGlynn reveals why she wanted Sinead to die
“I’ve learnt to swim but I’m still learning to heal. Grief is a suspicious thing but the last two months of swimming have been a much needed release.
“If you’re a non-swimmer and our show has sparked an interest then I encourage you to safely explore your curiosity because there are loved ones watching over us making sure we’re safe. X”
Sair joins Linford Christie, Alex Brooker, Simon Webbe, James Argent and Love Island’s Wes Nelson.
Unfortunately, earlier this week it was reported the stars failed to complete the mission as the swim had to be aborted, with them being hauled out of the water due to bad weather with just five miles to go.
An insider told The Sun: “Everyone is devastated because they worked so hard. It was very emotional but they should all be so proud of themselves especially as it was for such a brilliant cause.”
James had earlier tweeted: “I’m nervous & quite scared but failure is not an option, I won’t let anyone down!”
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