'You know that you're one of my favourite people!': Ben Zabel is left stunned after his hero Bert Newton sends him a supportive message
By
Niki Waldegrave for Daily Mail Australia
Published: 01:22 AEST, 14 December 2014 | Updated: 02:48 AEST, 14 December 2014
His obsession with Bert and Patti Newton is well documented but former Big Brother star Ben Zabel has been left floored by a surprise video message of support from the TV legend.
Bert, 76, leaped to Ben's aid after hearing the unwitting comedian was 'absolutely terrified' of getting up on stage at the Brisbane Powerhouse for his five-date mini-tour A Quiet Night In.
Wearing a cow-print jacket and setting the camera up in what looks like a hotel room, Bert addresses his most loyal fan: 'Ben, I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that you're doing this show.'
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Thrilled: TV legend Bert Newton, Ben Zabel's favourite celebrity, sends the unwitting stand-up comedian a - message of support
'Absolutely terrified'. The former Big Brother star was petrified of performing his five date show in Brisbane
'I know that it's almost a sell-out which is a terrific thing to happen. It doesn't surprise me, you know that you're one of my favourite people...'
Ben, 32, who nearly overdosed on prescription drugs last month, posted the video to his Instagram saying, 'This message left me completely speechless... #legend #classact #dad #grease.'
And the former Virgin flight attendant, who is renowned for living in his pajamas, later added, 'I feel very fortunate'.
Last month Ben's anxiety and depression got the better of him and he was rushed to hospital after overdosing on prescription medicine.
The TV star has been taking small steps along the road to recovery and says support from his family and friends, as well as humour has helped him move forward.
Bert Newtown in cow print suit offering encouraging words
It's showtime: Ben puts on a brave face backstage at the Brisbane Powerhouse during his A Quiet Night In tour
Brisbane-born Ben shot to stardom when he appeared on reality show Big Brother in 2013 and viewers initially thought he was a planted actor due to his eccentricity.
But he became an instant hit due to his vulnerability and warm personality, and the fact he would go off on a tangent when talking about his beloved mum, Margaret, or his idols, the Newtons.
Bert and wife Patti even visited him on-set to surprise him for his birthday and they've been very vocal about their support for him, with Ben joking he's been 'adopted' by the couple.
For confidential help, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit
Lifeline Australia.
Birthday boy: Bert and Patti Newton visited their biggest fan on the set of Big Brother on his birthday in 2013
Cherished: One of Ben's favourite possessions is his treasured album of Bert Newton songs
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...n-sends-supportive-message.html#ixzz3Lr4inIRC[DOUBLEPOST=1418542631][/DOUBLEPOST]Bert's video message
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