My Tough Times...
TV Hits UK, September 2002

He's a top star but life hasn't been easy! Abs tells all...

Break-ups are tough. But when you're a star there's no sobbing into ya pillow - you've gotta be brave.
Abs says... "Danielle was my last girlfriend, and I'd been really in love, but it got to the point where we both knew it was time to finish it. We'd split up and got back together so many times, it was ridiculous. Calling it a day was something that just had to be done. I've found that things always work out best in the end..."
How I coped... "In a really difficult situation like a break-up, you need to have all your mates round you. Straight after it happens I just like someone to be with me at my house, chilling out. After a few days of that I find you somehow manage to break free from the horrible place you were in before. Then you're strong enough to try and do things on your own."

Whether you're a star or not, growing up's hard. Here's how Abs got through...
Abs says... "School's so difficult, man! Kids can be really mean. Luckily I didn't have any big problems at school. It's not that I was ever so popular - I just accepted everyone and expected people to do the same to me."
How I coped... "I know people who had loads of hassle at school. If you're being bullied you've gotta talk. I know it feels like your parents don't understand but they do. Just don't keep it bottled up - I'd tell them or a teacher."

In September 2001, Five announced their break up. Abs spills the beans...
Abs says... "It's no secret that I didn't want it to end. To this day I still don't know why we split. I just had to say, 'Fair enough. But I'm not happy about it.'"
How I coped... "When something you've wanted to do your entire life ends, it's hard. When Five stopped, it was dead weird. But I had to look for all the positives, appreciate the good times - and try to work towards having more of them in the future..."

There are times in everyone's life when it gets too much - and Abs should know...
Abs says... "The hardest things about life in Five was being away from my friends and family. There were lonely times. You're with the same people day in, day out - it can send you a bit loopy. I look back now and laugh but it was insane!"
How I coped... "Stress is difficult - but I saw so much happen while I was with Five, I know I can deal with pretty much anything life throws at me. You've got to believe in yourself. If you're stressed, you've got to work out what's getting you down and fix it. Just go with your gut reaction."

When Bob Herbert, one of Five's management team, died, Five coped in very different ways...
Abs says... "When we all found out Bob had died everyone just spun out. I think I went and hid behind a sofa. I didn't want to see anyone, and I didn't want anyone to see me. The other guys were the same - everyone sitting alone, thinking."
How I coped... "Bob's death was a low point for me. But death's not scary. I'm quite spiritual like that. It's possible to be positive about death and not let it ruin your life."