This image is strictly embargoed until 22.30 Monday 12th November 2018 From ITV Studios I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!: SR18 on ITV Pictured: Fleur East. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052
Fleur has been open about her depression (Picture: ITV)

Fleur East is one of the favourites to win Im A Celebrity but her cousin has now claimed that her family once feared she would give up the entertainment biz as she spiralled into depression.

The former X Factor contestant has been open about her battle with depression, but Nick Meaney has now spoken about how Fleur had that resilience to keep going.

She was just jobbing, trying to get her music out there. She found she was depressed. Her career wasnt going the way she wanted it to, said Nick.

In 2012 Fleur – who grew up in Walthamstow surrounded by gang violence – admitted that she had reached a low point before applying for The X Factor after becoming convinced she would realise her singing ambitions.

The beginning of this year was my lowest point. I was waking up at whatever time and watching repeats of Friends in my pyjamas all day, every day, she admitted.

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There was nothing in my diary – no gigs, nothing going on. I was like, “what am I going to do with my life?” I was so scared. I knew if I got a normal job, I would never sing again.

Fleur found fame after auditioning for X Factor (Picture: ITV)

However her family persuaded her to audition for The X Factor – giving her something to work towards – and now Nick has suggested that her determination is her biggest asset as she heads towards the final of the ITV show.

Like anyone, you have your doubts. She said, “I do believe in myself and I am pushing myself”. Resilience and determination got her through that bleak period and I think its her biggest asset in the jungle, he added, speaking to The Mirror.

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MORE: Im A Celebritys Harry Redknapp flustered as Fleur East cracks joke about his sex life with wife Sandra

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