Peter Andre opens up on his strict Jehovah’s Witness upbringing and new outlook

·

Peter Andre was born to Greek-Cypriot parents in northwest London, the United Kingdom, before moving to Australia with his family when he was six years old.

The second youngest of five boys and one girl, Andre recalls they were the “only ethnic family” in the Gold Coast, where he grew up. His parents were devout Jehovah’s Witnesses and Andre spent much of his childhood either at church during the weekdays, or doorknocking on weekends.

Andre recalls being badly bullied and “beaten up” throughout his childhood, and found church was a “sanctuary” to escape.

“One of the things that kept me going as a Witness was that I knew the people I loved in the music industry were Witnesses,” Andre told The Australian.

“Michael Jackson’s family were all Witnesses. Even Prince became a very devout Witness towards the end. And I still feel quite protective about it.”

Peter Andre with his parents.

At 16 years old, Andre took part in Australia’s New Faces talent contest where he received his first record deal. From there, he fell into a whirlwind of nightclubs, photoshoots and groupies, though he said he’s never touched drugs as it “would have broken [his] parents’ hearts.”

These years led Andre to have a nervous breakdown at 25 years old, which saw him spend six years in and out of psychiatric units and therapy.

He’s had two marriages, one to ex-wife Katie Price which produced two children, and now Emily. They also share two children.

“She has made me be like I was when I was really young. I sort of went into this crazy life from my late teens to 40 and then all of a sudden she has brought out the simple part of me again,” Andre told The Australian.

Nowadays, Andre reflects strongly on his childhood and said it was “amazing” because “it actually instilled in us a lot of purity and a lot of good messages, and I am so grateful for what [my parents] taught me.”

Source: The Australian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Simon Behrakis retains Liberal seat in Tasmanian election

Tasmanian Liberal MP for Clark, Simon Behrakis, has retained his seat in the state's recent election held on March 23, 2024. 

Greek Australian women’s radiothon for kids cancer: Here’s how you can help

The New South Wales branch of the Organisation of Hellene and Hellene Cypriot of Australia (OEEGA) is organising a Radio Marathon.

Michelin star chef Alex Xinis brings Greek twist to vegan dishes in Melbourne

Chef Alex Xinis has created an entirely gluten-free and vegan-friendly Greek inspired menu at Melbourne’s popular rooftop restaurant, Fable.