Sunday Brunch

Aston Merrygold of JLS fame has opened up about the devastating toll of his recent ankle injury during an appearance on Sunday Brunch

JLS star Aston Merrygold has gotten candid about his recent leg injury, admitting the emotional toll is “killing me”.

The Peterborough-born boyband icon, 38, underwent surgery late last year after suffering a painful injury on his ankle during rehearsals.

However, Aston has continued to perform with the band, which also includes Marvin Humes, Oritsé Williams, and JB Gill, either seated or using crutches.

During an interview with Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy on today’s (22nd February) edition of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Aston shared some more insight into his injury and recovery.

“I broke everything in my ankle, apart from the bone,” he shared. “So, I’m still here.

“Basically, jumping off a platform to end the show, I vanished through the stage and landed on some crash mats. Obviously, I got excited and probably jumped a bit too high, trapped my leg between the crash mats and my body kept going.

“So I had to have full ankle reconstruction surgery.” Tim quipped: “Got a team of lawyers on that?”, prompting laughter from Aston.

After revealing he had continued with the tour on crutches, Aston was asked about his history playing football and how his injury has affected his exercise regime.

“You used to be a good footballer years ago, didn’t you?” Tim asked. “So this must be killing you.”

Aston agreed: “It’s killing me. But everything, even in the week, going away with the kids for a few days is lovely.”

Tim interjected, “Can you do anything?” and Aston revealed: “I can’t run yet. So that’s kind of the extent of it. Stairs are good now, for the ankle progression.”

The presenter then mused: “You know what they say, and this is so true, a well man has 10,000 wishes and an ill man has one.”

“100 percent,” Aston agreed. “And the worst, worst part of the whole thing was that I had to be bed-bound at one point.

“Then, when I could stand up, it had to be no weight. So no picking up the kids, no kind of running around.

“Obviously I didn’t listen,” he then confessed. “You can’t have those special moments just taken away fully, so I was a bit like, ‘No, there are some things…’”

Simon then asked when Aston will be fully recovered, with the JLS star explaining: “The operation was in December. December 5th. And he said over six months.”

Sunday Brunch airs Sundays from 10am on Channel 4.

A Sunday Brunch star was forced to make a quick exit from the Channel 4 programme during its latest episode

The Sunday Brunch set had one guest missing from the line-up halfway through the programme.

The hit Channel 4 show returned to TV screens on Sunday (February 8) with its usual three hours of celebrity interviews, culinary demonstrations and light-hearted entertainment.

Joining hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer were another batch of famous faces. On the long-running programme, the pair chatted to the likes of Shazad Latif, Vanessa Williams and Michaela Strachan.

Rock band James – best known for hits like Come Home and Sit Down – spoke to the hosts and also performed at the end of the show in a pre-recorded performance.

However, after James’ interview – in which they spoke about their new greatest hits album, James: Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of – Simon revealed the band would soon be heading off and leaving the Channel 4 studio.

He said: “We’re going to be saying goodbye to you guys aren’t we because you have to shoot off and do a show.”

Simon added: “Where’s the show,” before the band confirmed: “Liverpool.” Simon then said: “Oh great, best of luck with your travels.”

It comes after Sunday Brunch sparked complaints from fed-up viewers minutes into the show last month. Comedians Bridget Christie and Russel Howard, actors Malachi Kirby and Mark Benton, musician Bellah and chef Jeremy Pang were the guests at the time.

However, the line-up left viewers divided with some claiming they “didn’t know any of them”. Taking to social media, one fan penned: “Another week of z list “celebrities” time to knock this show on its head.” A second added: “Don’t know any of them.” A third person said: “Sorry but used to love it …getting past its used-by date.”

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However, some fans were delighted with the celebrity guests, with someone else writing: “A way better and funnier line-up than last week.” Another agreed: “I love Sunday Brunch! It’s a must-watch tradition in our house.”

Meanwhile, a week prior viewers branded an interview on the show “a tough watch”. The exchange between Tim and Simon with Black Ops and The Wheel of Time actor Hammed Animashaun was criticised by fans watching at home.

Sunday Brunch airs every Sunday at 10am on Channel 4.