Star’s Heart-wrenching Discovery of Father’s Addiction

Mia Fevola recently revealed her father’s gambling addiction during an episode of *I’m A Celebrity*. Her father, Brendan Fevola, is a well-known figure in Australian Football League (AFL) history, respected for his achievements yet marred by personal struggles.

Brendan Fevola’s Downfall

Brendan Fevola faced significant challenges at the height of his career. At one point, he confessed to selling his coveted Coleman Medal, awarded to the AFL’s leading goalkicker, to support his gambling habits. This addiction ultimately affected his professional life and personal relationships.

Mia’s Perspective on Family Struggles

• Mia disclosed that Brendan hid his gambling issues from the family for a long time.
• His wife, Alex Fevola, became aware of the situation when she noticed irregularities with his pay.
• Brendan reportedly lost his entire yearly wage—approximately one million dollars—to gambling.

Mia noted that she learned about her father’s gambling problems through peers at school rather than from her family. “The whole gambling situation, I blocked so much of it out. I think just as a defence mechanism,” she explained. She also recalled a shocking incident where Brendan gambled $363,000 in a single day.

Family Reactions and Secrets

In a candid conversation on *The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick*, Brendan shared his delight about Mia participating in the reality show. His humorous response to her question about joining the cast was, “Bro, easy cash!”

In a previous interview, Alex Fevola shed light on her experience, recalling the moment she discovered her husband’s addiction. She stated that she became alarmed when Brendan’s pay did not appear in their account. “I thought, ‘That’s so strange. What’s going on?’” she shared, highlighting the shock of learning they had lost their life savings.

Current Developments and Future Outlook

*I’m A Celebrity* is currently airing episodes every week on Channel 10. It continues to draw attention, not just for its entertainment value but also for the personal stories shared by its contestants. As the Fevola family navigates these challenges, their story serves as a reminder of the complexities behind public personas.