ITV WEATHER presenter Ruth Dodsworth has expressed her shock and distress after discovering that her abusive ex-husband, Jonathan Wignall, has launched a modelling career following his release from prison. The discovery, made as the fifth anniversary of his arrest approached, has left Dodsworth feeling “reeling” as she continues to work to rebuild her life and help others who have experienced domestic abuse.
Wignall, 57, who formerly ran the famous Escape Nightclub in Swansea was sentenced to three years in prison in 2021 for coercive control and stalking after a two-decade-long campaign of abuse that saw him controlling nearly every aspect of Dodsworth’s life. Despite his release, Dodsworth continues to deal with the emotional and financial fallout from their marriage, and she was stunned to learn that he had recently created an online profile for modelling and acting roles.
The profile, which appeared on Choice Model Management’s website before being removed, described Wignall as a “mature model” with silver hair, brown eyes, and hobbies that include golf and flying helicopters. Dodsworth expressed her disbelief over the lack of due diligence involved in allowing Wignall to market himself in this way, particularly given his criminal history.
“Helicopters and golf? I’d love to be able to reinvent my life like that too,” Dodsworth told The Daily Mail, adding that she was deeply upset by his apparent lack of remorse. “I’m really upset. He’s a dangerous manipulator as recognised by the judge in my case. I’ve paid off his debts and I’m still being chased for money, yet here he is.”
Dodsworth has remained vocal about her experiences in an effort to raise awareness about coercive control and to encourage others to seek help. Since Wignall’s conviction, she has spoken out about the emotional and psychological toll his behaviour took on her, including the profound impact it had on her physical health. At her lowest point, Dodsworth weighed just six-and-a-half stone, and her hair had started to fall out as she struggled to cope with the abuse.
While Dodsworth acknowledges that Wignall is entitled to rebuild his life after serving his sentence, she finds his attempts to create a glamorous new public persona troubling. “It sends a terrible message and reinforces what I’ve always said—this is a man with no remorse who still doesn’t feel he’s done anything wrong,” she said. “For me, the sense of entitlement that he can just carry on is galling, to say the least.”
Despite the challenges she has faced, Dodsworth continues to remain positive and determined to use her platform to help others. She has worked closely with South Wales Police to improve training for officers on issues surrounding coercive control and is an advocate for greater awareness and understanding of the issue. Dodsworth has also been active in sharing her story through media appearances, including an emotional interview with WalesOnline, where she discussed the impact Wignall’s abuse had on her and her family.
Dodsworth’s story has resonated with many, and she has been flooded with messages of support from around the world. She has become a beacon of hope for those trapped in abusive relationships, with people of all ages and backgrounds reaching out to share their own experiences and thank her for raising awareness. In particular, Dodsworth has highlighted how important it is for victims to seek help, even when it feels like the hardest thing to do.
Reflecting on her journey, Dodsworth said, “I am healing. I am taking one day at a time, and there are still triggers…but I am a strong person, and I will get through this.” She remains focused on ensuring that the issue of coercive control is taken seriously and that victims receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
As for Wignall, while he may be free to reinvent himself, Dodsworth’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of domestic abuse and the courage it takes to speak out.
