Will Mellor reveals how his struggle with childhood poverty impacts his life now as a dad

'I understand what poverty feels like. I came from that,' EastEnders star Will Mellor shared as he spoke about his latest project and why giving back at Christmas is the biggest gift

Actor and musician Will Mellor spoke about his childhood and the meaning of Christmas for his family in a discussion about his latest major project.

The Strictly Come Dancing star has teamed with Virgin Media O2 to unveil the ‘Data Darkness’ art installation on London’s South Bank, created to raise awareness of data poverty in the UK. The company has rolled out the National Databank to all O2 stores nationwide, where people in need can get free O2 mobile data so they can get online and stay connected to loved ones this Christmas and beyond.

Speaking to the Mirror, Will was clear about why he wanted to get involved in the campaign, sharing how his life experiences taught him that Christmas is the time to give back. “I always seem to reflect at this time of year, and I think it’s been tough for a lot of people - there’s a financial crisis, there’s a lot of people struggling. And I always seem to think, what can I do to help people?” the Hollyoaks star said.

He added: “I try to do things at Christmas. I go out around the Christmas period and I try to give people a roof over their head so they’re not on the streets - I know there’s a lot of people struggling near where I came from. Because I came from a bit of poverty as well, we struggled as a family when I was younger, didn’t have much. So it’s important that I don’t forget that.

“And I think it’s important that big companies like Virgin Media and O2 are reaching out and understanding that there are people struggling. And data poverty is a real thing, it’s there. It might sound trivial - does it matter if you’re not online? But it’s so important for people to still feel a part of it and not feel isolated. Also, to get themselves back on their feet - everything’s online nowadays!”

Alongside explaining why battling data poverty was so important, Will described how he made an effort to teach his own kids that there’s more to Christmas than presents under the tree. The actor shares two children with his wife, dancer Michelle McSween, with whom he tied the knot in 2007.

“Christmas - I’ve been saying this to my kids for years - it’s not about what you get! If you can understand that giving something is so important, then you understand what Christmas is about,” the Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star shared. “For years, when they were younger, we used to do this thing where they knew Christmas was coming and I said, ‘You know you’re going to get new toys, let’s look through your toy cupboard and see what you don’t play with, and then we’re going to go and give them to children who need it.’

“So we’d go around hospitals with a big Santa sack with the kids, and I wanted them to see that there’s people less fortunate, they’re probably not going to be at home for Christmas, and you could go and give them a present. And how that feels is overwhelming, and it did make a difference because they left humbled, realising ‘wow, we’re lucky that we’re not in hospital and that we’re going to be with our mum and dad at Christmas.’ And that’s important. It’s about giving.”

Will also made it clear that he wasn’t preaching from an ivory tower, and had real experience of what it can be like going without during tough periods - like so many other families struggling today. “I understand what poverty feels like,” Will shared. “I came from that.”

“So it’s not like I’m just someone who’s on the TV and had a big career going, ‘Look after these people,’ I’ve been there. My mum had four children, my dad was in prison. And we had ice on the inside of our windows, all my clothes came from a jumble sale. I didn’t get new stuff, we had to go to the church where people were throwing stuff away - that was our clothes. But I had my family around me, and we were all on the council estate - we all looked out for each other. So I might not have been rich with money but I was rich with love and family.”

Will ended his conversation on a positive note, describing how looking back to tougher times reminded him how important it is to pay it forward when he can - particularly during the festive period. “I’m very proud of my background and where I came from, so that’s why it’s something I’m passionate about,” he said of the Data Darkness campaign. “It’s always great to give something back.”

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