Twin models Alex and Jack release statement explaining why they QUIT The Amazing Race after something personal ‘surfaced’ during the show
Twin models Alex and Jack Newell voluntarily withdrew from The Amazing Race on Tuesday’s episode due to something personal ‘surfacing’.
Despite being in second place on the race to win the incredible $250,000 cash prize, the brothers chose to forfeit their place on the show.
The decision, which shocked even host Beau Ryan, has now been explained further by Alex in an Instagram statement.
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‘I hope my story can encourage others to seek help’: Twin models Alex and Jack (pictured) have released a statement explaining why they QUIT The Amazing Race on Tuesday night after something personal ‘surfaced’ during the show
On the show, a small clip was shown at the start of the episode addressing their failure to show up to the beginning of the next leg.
Jack explained to producers at the time: ‘Before this had to begin we had to quarantine in a hotel for 15 days. During that time, for Alex, something surfaced that he had to deal with and the Race environment isn’t the right environment for him to deal with that.’
Alex confirmed the news, by adding: ‘A lot of stuff from my past came up and Jack and I have been through similar things… And he has sought out help. And I never… I was always too proud to seek out help. I think that now I will seek out help.’
‘I always too proud to seek out help’: On the show, a small clip was shown at the start of the episode addressing their failure to show up to the beginning of the next leg
Revealed: The decision, which shocked even host Beau Ryan (pictured), has now been explained further by Alex in an Instagram statement
On Instagram after the episode aired, Alex updated fans on how his situation was going since filming ended months ago.
‘Not having the tools to deal with it [something personal surfacing from his past] lead me down a very dark path mentally. I have since sought help and the necessary tools needed to cope with what I was and still am going through,’ he said.
Alex continued: ‘When you are under a spotlight and the pressure is on a lot tends to make its way to the surface when you have been working so hard for so long to push those thoughts and experiences down.’
‘I was working so hard for so long to push those thoughts and experiences down’: Alex said he had gone down a ‘very dark path mentally’ and the Race was not the right environment for him to deal with it
‘It’s not weakness to ask for help. It takes strength’: Alex told fans that he has since sought out help after filming ended months ago for the pair
Alex thanked fans and viewers for their support and kind words, and credited brother Jack as being his absolute rock.
‘I hope my story can encourage people to seek help if they need it. I was always too proud or busy to. I would often think I was a burden to my loved ones if I went to them for help… but take it from me.. it’s really important. VITAL. It’s not weakness to ask for help. It takes strength to say “you know what? I actually cant do this alone”‘
For confidential support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. Alternatively, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
Tune in: The Amazing Race continues on Channel 10 from 7:30pm onWednesday