'My innocence was taken away': Saira Khan speaks bravely about being molested by her uncle when she was 13 in her own home

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Saira Khan has revealed how being molested by her uncle aged 13 took away her innocence.

The 46-year-old broke down in tears on Loose Women on Thursday as she admitted the now-deceased family member assaulted her in her bedroom.

Speaking after the incident, the presenter has now elaborated that her uncle came up behind her as she did her homework in an attack that lasted several minutes. 

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Brave: Saira Khan has revealed how being molested by her uncle aged 13 took away her innocence

Discussing the emotional turmoil of the abuse, she told The Mirror: 'I am a strong woman but that day my innocence was taken away.

'It was a one-off but enough to shape what happened the rest of my life. Some may find that hard to believe. But it is true.

'I must have been born with DNA which makes me angry and stronger when bad things happen but many women aren't born that way and they deal with sexual abuse through drugs or alcohol and generally can't get their lives back on track.'

The presenter added that she didn't feel like a victim and was adamant that she didn't want pity.

Sad: The 46-year-old spoke about the attack on Loose Women for the first time on Thursday, after the panel spoke about US Glamour magazine's chosen names for Women of the Year

'I'm not keeping it private anymore': Saira broke down on Loose Women on Thursday as she revealed she was molested by a family member when she was 13 in her own home

She spoke about the attack on Loose Women for the first time, after the panel spoke about US Glamour magazine's chosen names for Women of the Year.

Learning that male singer Bono had made the list, she said she would prefer to see someone like Pakistani woman Mukhtar Mai included instead.

In 2002, she was gang raped by village elders because her brother was deemed to have had an inappropriate relationship and forced to walk naked through the streets.

Saira said: 'Many women in her position would have committed suicide. But she dedicates her life to helping other victims.'

Becoming visibly upset, she said: 'This woman inspired me. I've never said this before but a male member of my family came into my bedroom when I was 13 and did things to me.

Inspiration: Learning that male singer Bono had made the list, she said she would prefer to see someone like Pakistani woman Mukhtar Mai included instead (pictured in 2008) - she was gang raped by village elders but now spends her life helping other sexual assault victims

Bursting into tears, she said: 'For any young child or woman, someone touching them without permission is WRONG It happens in our homes as well. 

'It's not culturally acceptable or religiously acceptable and it happens everyday.'

With her hands shaking, she said: 'Sorry, guys I wasn't expecting to say it and I'm only saying it now as the man is dead. 

Becoming visibly upset, she said: 'This woman inspired me. I 've never said this before but a male member of my family came into my bedroom when I was 13 and did things to me

With her hands shaking, she said: 'Sorry, guys I wasn't expecting to say it and I'm only saying it now as the man is dead'

A wonderful friend: Linda Robson immediately jumped off her chair to offer some support and comfort to Saira following her shock revelation

'I told my mother and my brothers years later and my mum was amazing. I feel like I've got one over him now. I feel inspired to not keep it private.' 

Saira was clearly very upset by what she said and was comforted by Linda Robson who got up and put her arms around her. 

She had to take a break from the show to compose herself. The audience gave her a standing ovation. 

She continued: 'I told my mother and my brothers years later and my mum was amazing. I feel like I've got one over him now. I feel inspired to not keep it private.'

Brave: She had to take a break from the show to compose herself. The audience gave her a standing ovation

Following an advert break, she returned on set to reassure her fans that she's OK.

'Thanks so much for your support,' she said. 'I'm OK. I am a strong woman. I don't want to hijack the show of anything.' 

Speaking about Mukhtar Mai directly, she added: 'I didn't go through what she went through, but that brought something out deep inside that I'd kept secret. 

'It took a lot of strength to do that': Viewers immediately took to Twitter to commend her on her bravery and honesty

'People think we celebrities have amazing lives but we don't we're also hurt.'

Anne Diamond said: 'What you said will make a difference to somebody.' 

Loose Women tweeted shortly after: 'Thank you all for your messages of support for @IamSairaKhan - we are incredibly proud of her. #LooseWomen.'

Publicity stunt? Instead, Bono has been named on Glamour magazine's Women of the Year list which has caused controversy

Many fans wrote about how moved they were by her courage. 

One wrote: 'OMG @IamSairaKhan. It took a lot of strength to do that unexpectedly.' 

Another added: 'Saira Khan is an inspiring lady if ever I've seen one. #LooseWomen.'

A third wrote: 'How brave of Saira Khan to speak so openly about her horrific ordeal. I hope anyone who is going through the same seeks help #LooseWomen.'  

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Loose Women for further comment.   

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Saira continued: 'People think we celebrities have amazing lives but we don't we're also hurt.'

Anne Diamond said: 'What you said will make a difference to somebody'