Call the Midwife's Helen George may be the star of the stage and screen, and doting mother to her daughters, Ivy and Wren, but behind closed doors, she has overcome incredible grief.
The King and I actress, 42, has opened up about the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend, who died from blood cancer. Helen said on her new Mystic Mates podcast: "I had been dating someone who very suddenly got diagnosed with leukaemia,' she says. 'It was pretty serious from the start, and he knew.
"The next day after that happened, I had to fly out to the Bahamas to film the ITV shark documentary. I would call my best friend and sob down the phone about this lovely, beautiful man."
Helen revealed that it was connecting with spirituality, which helped her cope in the darkest times, including the use of crystals and seeing a clairvoyant.
"He now comes through in my clairvoyancy readings – he's looking after me," she said of her former boyfriend. Adding: "I'd like to be a clairvoyant. I'd like to talk to dead people."
"I went to this clairvoyant last week, and she said, 'This is your ex-boyfriend, and he died very suddenly after you started dating him. He's come into the room because he's not very happy about your situation.
© Instagram"I cried because it was wonderful to think this person, whom I didn't really know for that long, was there.
"He was angry that he'd left me looking for someone else and then finding someone else who wasn't suitable."
Helen shared her experience just weeks after her relationship with hedge fund manager Dan Innes ended, who lived with her and her two daughters, whom she shares with fellow Call the Midwife star, Jack Ashton.
How can spirituality help you with grief?
Spiritual wellness editor, Reiki master and sound healer Alexandra Wilby explains how connecting with spirituality can help you move through grief.
"Exploring our spirituality can be incredibly comforting during times of grief because it helps us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. For many people, it offers hope that our relationships with those we've lost don't simply end when they die and can provide a sense of meaning at a time when life feels turned upside down.
Alexandra continues: "It's not uncommon for people to visit clairvoyants or mediums in the hope of feeling closer to a loved one or receiving a message. If you do choose to explore this, I'd recommend doing your research carefully. The industry isn't regulated, so personal recommendations from someone you trust are always a good place to start.
"Spirituality isn't about having all the answers, proof, or facts. It's about acknowledging that there may be more to life than we can currently explain - and this can help people feel less alone in their grief, and provide hope and a sense of ongoing connection."
Alexandra also revealed how crystals can be used as a "grounding tool" when life feels overwhelming.
"Helen also says she’s been using crystals to help her navigate her grief. While she hasn’t said which ones in particular she uses, Rose quartz can be very healing for the heart, while smoky quartz can transmute heavy, sorrowful energy into something lighter.
"I love black obsidian, which absorbs negative energy and releases stuck feelings, but there are hundreds of different varieties to choose from. When buying a crystal, hold it in your hands and try to sense the energy coming from it. You'll be able to tell if it’s the right one for you."
Alexandra's top tip
Alexandra's top tip for when things feel tough is to keep a crystal in your pocket or purse. "You can hold it when you feel overwhelmed by emotions and use it to ground yourself," she explains.
