Tyler West admits car horn ‘saved his life’ after witnessing fatal stabbing as he replaces Scott Mills on BBC spin-off

Lydia Davies
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:39:54 +0000

Tyler West has spoken candidly about developing severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and contemplating suicide following a traumatic childhood experience.

The 30-year-old KISS FM host opened up during an appearance on Pete Wicks' Man Made podcast, revealing that witnessing a fatal stabbing when he was just 14 years old triggered years of mental health struggles.

The violent incident occurred outside his family home on the St Helier council estate in south London, an event that Mr West said altered the trajectory of his entire life.

"That was one of, and I didn't know it at the time, but I never knew that that would be something that changed the course of my life forever," he told Mr Wicks during the emotional interview.

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Mr West described the harrowing scene in vivid detail, recalling how he observed two men wielding a 12-inch blade attack another man, slashing his neck before the victim collapsed.

He said: "I saw the men coming back out, and then they're trying to put the body in a bag. And it was, it was horrible."

The then-teenager watched as the attackers retreated into a nearby flat while he and his mother rushed outside to help the wounded man.

"My mum's trying to put the towels on the wounds, I'm standing over this man's body," Mr West recalled.

"I was in hysterics. I was like, I was in shock. I couldn't feel the tears running down my face."

He noted that despite calling emergency services, police had not arrived even after more than 10 minutes.

The aftermath of witnessing the killing left the presenter unable to function normally for two years, confining himself almost entirely to his bedroom.

He developed severe OCD, establishing rigid rituals that he believed would keep him safe from harm.

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"I couldn't open the blinds for one and my bedroom was complete total darkness. Couldn't use a knife and fork at dinner," he explained.

The presenter described being terrified that failing to make his bed would result in something terrible happening to him, and he avoided walking on the same side of the street where the attack occurred.

Mr West became convinced that anyone drinking alcohol near him posed a mortal threat, and any depiction of violence on television would trigger him.

His extreme anxiety caused him to miss significant amounts of school during this period.

Three years after the murder, at the age of 17, Mr West reached his lowest point when he found himself standing in the middle of a bridge spanning the A217 near his home in the early hours of the morning.

He recounted: "My phone had died, and then I got to the middle of this bridge and Pete, I promise you now, I was standing there and I was like, 'I don't know what I'm doing here."

When Mr Wicks asked whether he had deliberately set out for the bridge, Mr West explained that he had simply ended up there, with dark thoughts entering his mind in that moment.

At approximately 4.30 am, a passing motorist sounded their horn, which West credits with bringing him back to his senses.

"It's essentially a car horn saved me in that moment," he said.

Mr West, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and previously presented showbiz segments on Lorraine, is now engaged to EastEnders actress Molly Rainford.

The couple began their relationship in 2023 after meeting while both appeared on the BBC dancing competition and announced their engagement last August following a proposal during a holiday in Greece.

Despite finding happiness in his personal life, Mr West revealed he remains frustrated about his treatment as a witness during the subsequent court proceedings.

He described being exposed to graphic evidence, including photographs of the crime scene and the murder weapon that he had not seen on the night itself.

"I think the way the whole situation was handled, I will forever be angry at it," he said, adding that he has nonetheless "managed to find some sort of peace within that anger."

The broadcaster and DJ has replaced Scott Mills as host of the BBC video podcast Race Across The World: The Detour, following a last-minute shake-up confirmed last week.

The move came after Mr Mills was dismissed in late March over “personal conduct” allegations, with reports he had previously been questioned by police in 2018 over historical claims, though no charges were brought.

As a result, Mr Mills was removed from all BBC projects, including the podcast and planned Eurovision duties.

In a statement issued by his lawyer, Mr Mills said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation.

"In response to this, the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.

"An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.

"As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.

"Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter."

His statement concluded: "I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”

Mr West, a former Celebrity Race Across The World contestant himself, now fronts the companion series alongside Alfie Watts, featuring celebrity guests including Molly Rainford and Kola Bokinni.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.