Strictly Christmas special star Josh Widdicombe has revealed that he “collapsed” after suffering a breakdown.
The comedian, 41, opened up about his relationship with alcohol and overworking during an interview this week.
Strictly star Josh Widdicombe on drink problem
The star – who is set to appear on the upcoming Strictly Christmas special on Christmas Day – spoke to The Times this week.
In the interview, The Last Leg star confessed that it took him a while to realise he had a “drink problem”.
“People say to me stuff like: ‘Do you miss having a glass of wine with lunch?’ And I say: ‘I don’t know what that is! I can’t drink like that!’ There is something about me that is all or nothing. I didn’t do it every day so it took me ages to realise I had a problem,” he said.
Comedian Josh on worrying collapse
The star also opened up about how he was always concerned that his comedy career would abruptly stop – which led to him finding it difficult to take time off.
Josh went on to reveal that it got to a point where he was writing new comedy routines while on holiday with his wife.
It was just overwork, burnout, leading to depression and anxiety.
Everything came to a head following the birth of his second child, Cassius in 2021. This is when Josh’s overworking went into overdrive.
“Because I never wanted to be an absent dad. And yet I didn’t want to let my career slide either. So I piled even more pressure on myself. Eventually I just kind of collapsed. It was just overwork, burnout, leading to depression and anxiety. And I was funnier being more honest,” he said.
Josh on upcoming Strictly stint
Elsewhere in the interview, Josh spoke about his upcoming appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. The comedian will be paired up with Karen Hauer for the festive special.
Speaking to The Times about his brief stint on the show, he said: “I think you should do things you’re worried will be [bleep]. Do the stuff you want to do, not the stuff that you think a comedian should do.”
Speaking to the BBC when he was first announced to be taking part, Josh said: “I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation. Why have I done this?”
Read more: Strictly winner Chris McCausland fails to turn up for live interview as Jordan North explains why
The Strictly Christmas special airs on Christmas Day from 3.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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