In a startlingly candid revelation, beloved BBC broadcaster Ore Oduba has opened up about his secret 30-year battle with pornography addiction that he says "completely destroyed" his life from the inside out.
The 39-year-old television presenter, known for his roles on BBC Breakfast and Strictly Come Dancing, described how what began as teenage curiosity spiralled into a debilitating addiction that threatened to unravel both his marriage to wife Portia and his successful broadcasting career.
The Hidden Struggle Behind the Smiles
Oduba confessed that despite maintaining a cheerful public persona on screen, he was privately trapped in a cycle of compulsive behaviour that left him feeling "empty and ashamed". The addiction, which started when he was just nine years old, gradually took over his life, affecting his relationships and mental wellbeing.
"It got to the point where I couldn't function properly," Oduba revealed. "I'd be sitting in BBC meetings, smiling for the cameras, but inside I was completely consumed by this secret life."
The Turning Point That Saved His Marriage
The crisis reached its peak when his wife Portia discovered the extent of his addiction. Rather than ending their relationship, she supported him through the difficult journey to recovery.
"Portia could have walked away, and honestly, I wouldn't have blamed her," Oduba admitted emotionally. "But she saw the person underneath the addiction and fought for me when I couldn't fight for myself."
Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction
By speaking out, Oduba hopes to challenge the stigma surrounding porn addiction and encourage others struggling with similar issues to seek help.
"We need to stop treating this as a taboo subject," he insisted. "Addiction doesn't discriminate - it can affect anyone, regardless of their job, background or public image. The most important step is acknowledging you have a problem and reaching out for support."
Oduba has now been in recovery for several years and credits professional help, support groups and his wife's unwavering commitment with saving his life and marriage.
