Julianne Hough reveals abuse history

Actress Julianne Hough has revealed that she was 'mentally and physically' abused between the ages of 10 and 15 when she was pursuing a career as a dancer in London.

The star of 'Rock of Ages' and US show 'Dancing with the Stars' said that the abuse turned her into a 'dark person'.

[Related story: Hough relates to Haven character]

“I think a lot of people got to know me through 'Dancing with the Stars' and don't really know about my past before that, which I don't talk about much,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

“But yeah, I've been through certain things that have sucked the life out of me... and just the light about me was gone and I was just a dark person.

“So I had to leave that situation and kind of come into my own again and I did.”

“While I was in London, I was abused, mentally, physically, everything,” she added in an interview with Cosmopolitan.

“I was 10 years old looking like I was 28, being a very sensual dancer. I was a tormented little kid who had to put on this sexy facade because that was my job and my life. But my heart was the same, and I was this innocent little girl. I wanted so much love.

“I was told if I ever went back to the United States, three things were going to happen. One: I was going to amount to nothing. Two: I was going to work at Whataburger. And three: I was going to end up a slut. So, it was like, I can't go back. I have to be this person.”

Hough, and her brother Derek, took on five-year scholarships moving from Utah to London to pursue their dancing studies.

Hough is currently starring in the film 'Safe Haven', playing a survivor of domestic abuse.

“I don't want pity. To me it's more about being that voice for people who don't necessarily have a voice,” she added.