KISS' Tyler West opens up about the effect knife crime trauma has on his mental health
He was just 14 when he witnessed a stabbing
KISS presenter Tyler West joined Loose Women on Tuesday (10th January), where he opened about his experience of witnessing knife crime first hand, when he was just a teenager.
Tyler explained to the show's panel that he was just 14-years-old when he witnessed a fatal stabbing, and: "Not a day goes by that you don't think about going through something traumatic like that."
Speaking to Ruth Langsford, Linda Robson, Janet Street-Porter and Gloria Hunniford, who were joined by his mum Debbie, Tyler opened up about the experience: "Some people go their whole lives without witnessing anything like that, and it happened in a pretty tough year for us at home and that just came out of nowhere.
"It’s indescribable the knock on effect that that has on the rest of your life - to the point that it’s only now, that I’m what, 26-years-old and I’m able to sit there with my mum, in front of all you amazing people and talk about it. It takes such a journey."
Tyler continued: "It’s trauma, it’s grief, it’s those things there but it’s this idea that I saw a life taken in front of me. It triggered attachment issues, I had counselling, I couldn’t walk on certain sides of the street. There was a long process of things, even up until now that I’m sort of battling and dealing with."
Debbie then explained how despite: "Being assured by the police that Tyler would give evidence from the room next door and the only people that would see his face would be the judge, the barristers and the jury," he had to give evidence publicly during the trial.
"It just broke my heart because I promised him… you know," she explained. "You promise that you’re going to be safe and it just didn’t happen."
Tyler went on to say that despite two years of counselling, it didn't work and he became a recluse, refusing to leave his room, or talk to anyone. However, although he still struggles today, he credited his mum with helping him with all the support she's given him.
The KISS presenter explained: "So sometimes, you know when you’re struggling with your mental health or you’re struggling with grief or trauma or anything like that, sometimes you don’t need an answer, you don’t need to go and do something extravagant on the street to combat it. Sometimes it’s just somebody coming to you and saying ‘look Ty, I’m here and I love you’ and that was it for me and my mum."
Watch the full interview on ITV's website.
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV1 & ITVX.
When is Tyler on KISS FM UK?
Tyler West can be heard on KISS UK FM, weekdays from 4pm.
What is Tyler up to in 2023?
As well as his radio show, Tyler is now training for the Strictly Come Dancing tour, after competing in last year's competition.
Take a look through Tyler's Strictly Come Dancing journey:
Tyler gets announced for Strictly
Tyler announced he's signed up for the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing on Monday 9th August. He said: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp. It's going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone. It's a show that means so much to me and my family and I can't wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins."
Tyler discovers his pro partner
During the pre-recorded launch show on Friday 23rd September, it was revealed that Tyler had been paired with Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell.
Week One: Tyler and Dianne perform an American Smooth
During their first live performance on Saturday 24th September, Tyler and Dianne performed an American Smooth to Harry Styles' track 'Falling'. The received a score of 22 out of 40 from the judges.
Week Two: Tyler and Dianne perform a Jive
Tyler performed his first up-tempo dance in Week Two, a Jive to 'Hit The Road Jack' by Buster Poindexter. Following the first vote off, Tyler and Dianne made it through to Movie Week.
Week Three: Tyler and Dianne get the first 10s of the series
Performing a Charleston to 'Flash, Bang, Wollop!' from the movie Half a Sixpence during Movie Week, Tyler was the first celeb to score two 10s! After receiving a huge score of 38/40, Tyler topped the leaderboard an sailed through the Week Four.
Week Four: Tyler and Dianne perform the first Couple's Choice
Dedicating the dance to his mum, Tyler and his partner Dianne performed the first Couple's Choice routine of the series, to an insane Garage mega mix. The pair finished in third place on the leaderboard with a huge score of 37/40.
Week Five: Tyler and Dianne perform a Tango
To celebrate the BBC's 100th anniversary, Tyler and Dianne performed an intense Tango to the Doctor Who theme tune. Although Tyler's score wasn't as good as previous weeks, the pair still made it through to Week Six!
Week six: Tyler and Dianne perform a special Halloween Cha Cha
Going all out for Halloween Week, Tyler dressed up as the spooky character Beetlejuice, and took to the dance floor with Dianne to dance the Cha Cha to Tanz Orchester Klaus Hallen.
The judges were impressed, with Anton saying it was: "One of the best Cha Cha Chas" he had seen on the show and he also gave them a 10! Overall they scored 35/40.
Week Seven: Tyler and Dianne perform a Viennese Waltz
Tyler slowed things down in Week 7 with a stunning Viennese Waltz to 'I've Been Loving You Too Long' by Seal. Despite finishing 8th on the leaderboard with a score of 29, Tyler and Dianne made it through to Week 8.
Week Eight: Tyler and Dianne find themselves in the bottom two
Following their performance of a Paso Doble in Week 8, Tyler and Dianne were in the bottom two alongside Tony Adams and Katya Jones. Although Tyler was ready for a dance off, Tony was forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury, meaning Tyler made it through to Week 9.
Week Nine: Tyler and Dianne take on Blackpool
Showing off his moves during the iconic Blackpool Week, Tyler performed a Salsa to a KC & The Sunshine Band Megamix by KC & The Sunshine Band. The pair scored 35/40, finishing joint fourth on the leaderboard.
Week Nine: Tyler and Dianne are eliminated
After finding themselves in the dance-off for the second week running, Tyler and Dianne were eliminated from the show after the judges chose to save Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu. Tyler posted an emotional message to fans after the show.
Tyler performs in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
Tyler was back in his dancing shoes before long as the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour kicked off in January 2023. With 31 shows throughout January and February all over the UK, Tyler performed alongside many of the 2022 contestants including partner Dianne and the Strictly judges.
Now read:
Tyler West: Get to know the KISS presenter who took part in Strictly Come Dancing