*WARNING: CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SEXUAL ABUSE*
BBC Breakfast viewers were moved to tears as The Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick opened up about the abuse he suffered as a child.
The Irish professor rose to fame on Channel 4 show The Supervet, in which he and his team use cutting-edge treatments to cure pets who may otherwise be beyond saving.
But as he explains in his new book, Beyond Supervet: How Animals Make Us the Best We Can Be, the animals have in fact saved him along the way.
Discussing his 'prolonged abuse', the 54-year-old said that animals became his best friends because he didn't trust humans.
He said: "I sustained prolonged sexual abuse as a child and I had been running from that spectre all my life and I have met a few other people in a similar situation.
"I know this may be traumatising for some people watching this, but I think its critically important.
"So having met those people and seeing the consequences of that and having identified within myself a darkness that I have sublimated for 40 years animals became my best friends because I didn't trust humans."
Movingly explaining why he had decided to speak out, he continued: "I felt very strongly that if I could not be truthful, and honest, and have integrity, and authenticity, about that thing that I could never speak about, coming from a very religious background in Ireland into the wonderment of the United Kingdom, or being able to achieve my dreams and everybody thinking you have it all sorted out.
"If you say, 'Look, I do not have it all sorted out. I'm just trying to do my best. We all have some issues we need to cope with. We're in it together. And I will hold your hand, or I will hold your paw.'
"And in that holding there is a comfort. So that's why I told the story. And that's why I've chosen to be raw, because I think it's only through our vulnerability that we can possibly achieve our strength."
His touching words resonated with viewers, who heaped him with praise and love.
On Twitter, one viewer wrote: "It's only through our vulnerability we achieve our strength'. Wonderful strengthening words dear man. I wish you and all your wonderful animal friends much love."
Another said: "Admirable that you managed to open up about it. Worked as prosecutor in the child abuse department for some time and so know how much courage it takes to talk about it and to survive it.
"Hope it helps you and others to cope, speak out and support victims!"
A third added: "Bless you. So sad you had such a bad time, but to feel that connection with our animals is truly comforting xxx You are amazing doing what you do so marvellously xx"
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 between 12pm–2.30pm and 7pm– 9.30pm every day. Alternatively, you can contact Victim Support free on 08 08 16 89 111 available 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas.
Featured Image Credit: BBC BreakfastTopics: Ireland, TV and Film