Ryan Thomas turned down counselling after being falsely accused of punching Roxanne Pallett.

Ryan Thomas

Ryan Thomas

The disgraced former 'Emmerdale' actress caused outrage when she claimed her housemate had attacked her during 'Celebrity Big Brother', only to admit afterwards she "got it wrong".

And now the 34-year-old actor has revealed he turned to his family for support rather than a therapist, despite being offered help by the Channel 5 show's team.

He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The show gives you that option and they look after you in that sense. "I'm quite level headed and I've got a good family around me, and network of friends that look after me. I didn't feel that was necessary."

The Mancunian - who was best known for portraying Jason Grimshaw on ITV's 'Coronation Street' from 2000 until 2016 - says after spending weeks "enclosed" in the 'CBB' house, the "highlight" was being reunited with his family, especially his 10-year-old daughter Scarlett - whom he has with former 'Corrie' co-star Tina O'Brien.

He said: "The happiest moment for me was getting out and being with my family and friends.

"That's my safe place. It's the best feeling in the world.

"Being in an enclosed environment for three weeks, and then being reunited with your daughter, your brothers, your mum and dad, that was the highlight for me."

Roxanne, 36, has been keeping a low profile since the incident , but reportedly sent Ryan a letter apologising for her behaviour.

A source said in September: "Roxanne decided to write Ryan a letter of apology shortly after deciding to leave the house and having been interviewed by Jeremy Vine and Emma Willis.

"She gave the note to a member of show staff to pass on to Ryan once he left the house rather than attempting to give it to him directly.

"Understandably there was a lot of commotion when Ryan excited the house victorious and he hasn't been able to receive the letter yet.

"He's aware of its existence though and it's expected that he'll receive it next week to be able to read it.

"He's decided not to mention its existence publicly as it's unlikely to make much of a difference considering what he's already been put through."

Ryan went on to win the show and admitted he would be prepared to forgive Roxanne following her false allegation.

He said: "Can I be really, really honest I don't know what's been said about Roxanne I only know what I went through when I was in 'Big Brother'.

"I really don't wanna fuel something I feel Roxanne has gone through without me, you know coming out here, and I feel as if I don't know enough about the outside world to start commenting."