Latest news with #JohnWhaite
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Strictly star John Whaite opens up on his struggle with health condition that 'makes life almost unbearable'
John Whaite has opened up about his struggles with ADHD, admitting that the health condition can sometimes 'make life almost unbearable'. The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 36, revealed that he had been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in 2023, noting at the time that he wished he'd found out 'sooner' so he could include it in his memoir. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulse control and activity levels. Common symptoms include restlessness, distractibility, forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions or managing time, and making impulsive decisions. And taking to Instagram on Sunday, John gave an update on living with the condition, telling his fans that while it's his 'superpower', it can almost make life 'confusing.' He wrote: 'Much as #ADHD can be a superpower, sometimes it makes life confusing. Sometimes it makes life almost unbearable. I was promised I'd get older and wiser, but sometimes I feel like I'm just an ageing fool.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. John went on to go into further detail on his condition in a heartfelt video as he shared how it affects him. He said: 'Oh can we just talk about the reality of life with ADHD because you know a lot of the time we think we have a superpower and sometimes it can serve us very well. 'It can serve us in so many ways where we can fixate on things and achieve things and create things and really do the best work or something imaginable but often that's such a pyrrhic victory because we bleed ourselves dry or we exhaust ourselves in doing it or we abandon plans or friends or family and the reality of ADHD is that it can make us believe that what we're doing in life sometimes is the exactly the righteous course of action for us. 'It's the right path in spite of what people who love us might say. And then when it gets to the point where we are our interest fizzles away, the reality kicks in and we see the truth and we see the situation for what it is. 'At that point we're left kind of thinking f***, I've given up so much for this. I've ignored people who love me for this. 'And this is really exhausting because usually the older you get the wise you get. And while that can still be true in a situation where you have ADHD I think the reality. 'As you get older you don't necessarily get wiser, you just get older and when you get older and you keep making silly little mistakes people become less tolerant of those mistakes because you're meant to be older and wiser.' The Great British Bake Off winner went on to say: 'So much as we can say that ADHD is a superpower it is, also lets admit it concrete block around us and I think we need to acknowledge. 'You know there's so much positivity, but on the flip side of it can be so crippling and so dehumanising and annoying." 'If I could chose to live life neurotypically at this point in my life, I would jump at the chance and I know that's not very pro ADHD it's not very kind of holding up the flag our community but sometimes it's just exhausting, it's horrific and sometimes I f****** hate it.' In 2023, John revealed that he was revealing his ADHD diagnosis to help others. He has previously been very honest about his mental health, sharing his battle with depression and bulimia and difficult relationship with alcohol. Sharing a photo of himself, John wrote: 'Am I posting this for a dopamine rush, or to inform? Well, it turns out, a little bit of both. Because I have ADHD, which explains a lot. 'I've known my behaviour over the past decade (and my thinking for the past 30-odd years) has not been 'normal'. 'I've often questioned whether I have some personality disorder, deep-rooted psychological trauma, or just a brain that isn't quite wired up right. 'I've been impulsive and borderline addicted (to sex, porn, shopping, food, drink, drugs), and have made some very questionable decisions. 'But these weren't decisions, they were compulsions, because of the neurological functioning inside my head.' Staying positive, he added: 'But it's not all bad. Because I truly believe it's my ADHD that has allowed me to become so obsessed and focussed on things I like, that I work hard at them until I'm burnt out. 'While burn-out isn't great, the skills I've garnered and career paths I've taken along the way, have been a huge part of my strength and success. And I'm grateful for those chances and opportunities. 'But I'm even more grateful for the knowledge that I have ADHD. Because instantly the shame and guilt can be replaced with conversation - destruction becomes construction.' He continued: 'I wasn't going to share this. I was going to keep it for myself. But I know from speaking openly about depression, alcohol use, bulimia, that people can seek comfort from the experiences of others. I know I certainly have. 'So, I may be looking for a dopamine rush here. I may be doing my duty as someone in the public eye to share my lived experience. Either way, make of this what you will. 'A huge heartfelt thank you to @shahna_h (and @irondoctorhaz) for their kindness and support ❤️.' He concluded: 'I just wish I'd known this sooner, so I could have written about it in my memoir (which has already gone to print), but now when you read it, I think you'll understand it even better.' WHAT IS ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include: Constant fidgeting Poor concentration Excessive movement or talking Acting without thinking Inability to deal with stress Little or no sense of danger Careless mistakes Mood swings Forgetfulness Difficulty organising tasks Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones Inability to listen or carry out instructions Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this. ADHD's exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person's brain function and structure. Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's and epilepsy. There is no cure. A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier.
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
John Whaite says 'I feel like an ageing fool' as he struggles with diagnosis
Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite took to social media with a candid update two years after revealing he had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Former Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite has candidly opened up on his health struggles in a new social media upload. The Bake Off star, 36, took to Instagram to reveal his thoughts on how his "superpower" can sometimes "make life confusing". John was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023 and said at the time he wished he had "known this sooner". According to the NHS, ADHD - which stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - is "a condition where the brain works differently to most people". The health service explains symptoms of the diagnosis can leave people having trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. Now, in an honest video shared to his social media page, John admitted of his condition: "Sometimes it makes life almost unbearable. I was promised I'd get older and wiser, but sometimes I feel like I'm just an ageing fool." He said in the clip: "Oh can we just talk about the reality of life with ADHD because you know a lot of the time we think we have a superpower and sometimes it can serve us very well. "It can serve us in so many ways where we can fixate on things and achieve things and create things and really do the best work or something imaginable but often that's such a pyrrhic victory because we bleed ourselves dry or we exhaust ourselves in doing it or we abandon plans or friends or family and the reality of ADHD is that it can make us believe that what we're doing in life sometimes is the exactly the righteous course of action for us." He went on: "It's the right path in spite of what people who love us might say. And then when it gets to the point where we are our interest fizzles away, the reality kicks in and we see the truth and we see the situation for what it is. "At that point we're left kind of thinking f***, I've given up so much for this. I've ignored people who love me for this. And this is really exhausting because usually the older you get the wise you get. And while that can still be true in a situation where you have ADHD I think the reality. "As you get older you don't necessarily get wiser, you just get older and when you get older and you keep making silly little mistakes people become less tolerant of those mistakes because you're meant to be older and wiser." He added that despite so much positivity surrounding the "superpower", there is also a flip side that can be "crippling and so dehumanising and annoying". John candidly confessed: "If I could chose to live life neurotypically at this point in my life, I would jump at the chance and I know that's not very pro ADHD it's not very kind of holding up the flag our community but sometimes it's just exhausting, it's horrific and sometimes I f****** hate it." John has regularly been open about his condition since his diagnosis. He has also spoke out about his mental health battle, previously suffering from bulimia and suicidal thoughts. He explained at how one point he was so low he decided to quit fame and move to Canada, where he volunteered on a farm in a bid to go back to basics and help him recover. Speaking on Steph's Packed Lunch in 2020, he said he also suffers from sexsomnia, a condition similar to night terrors and sleep walking, but instead he engages in sexual behaviour that he doesn't remember when he's awake. "You have night terrors, I have night pleasures, because I have sexsomnia," he said. "In the night, I'll be fast asleep... My boyfriend wakes up and I'll be fondling him. He's having the time of his life and I'm fast asleep." He has also admitted he was left feeling "suicidal" in the past following his Bake Off win. "I kind of felt like I'd failed. And I felt suicidal. I really really did think I was going to end it," John explained.
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly and OnlyFans star John Whaite opens up on health struggle, saying ‘it makes life almost unbearable'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY star John Whaite has opened up about his ADHD and said "it makes life almost unbearable". The Bake Off star, 36, shared a video on Instagram saying: "as much as my ADHD can be a superpower, sometimes it makes life confusing. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 John Whaite opened up about his ADHD battle Credit: instagram/@john_whaite 2 The Strictly star said the condition can sometimes not feel like a 'superpower' Credit: Getty "Sometimes it makes life almost unbearable. "I was promised I'd get older and wiser, but sometimes I feel like I'm just an ageing fool." ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. John told fans in the clip: "Oh can we just talk about the reality of life with ADHD because you know a lot of the time we think we have a superpower and sometimes it can serve us very well. READ MORE ON JOHN WHAITE HAVING MY SAY John Whaite returns to social media after admitting cheating on fiancé "It can serve us in so many ways where we can fixate on things and achieve things and create things and really do the best work or something imaginable but often that's such a pyrrhic victory because we bleed ourselves dry or we exhaust ourselves in doing it or we abandon plans or friends or family and the reality of ADHD is that it can make us believe that what we're doing in life sometimes is the exactly the righteous course of action for us. "It's the right path in spite of what people who love us might say. "And then when it gets to the point where we are our interest fizzles away, the reality kicks in and we see the truth and we see the situation for what it is. "At that point we're left kind of thinking f***, I've given up so much for this. I've ignored people who love me for this. Channel 4 star John Whaite 'quits TV' after being left 'blindsided' by Steph's Packed Lunch axe "And this is really exhausting because usually the older you get the wise you get. "And while that can still be true in a situation where you have ADHD I think the reality. "As you get older you don't necessarily get wiser, you just get older and when you get older and you keep making silly little mistakes people become less tolerant of those mistakes because you're meant to be older and wiser." He added: "So much as we can say that ADHD is a superpower it is, also lets admit it concrete block around us and I think we need to acknowledge. "You know there's so much positivity, but on the flip side of it can be so crippling and so dehumanising and annoying." "If I could chose to live life neurotypically at this point in my life, I would jump at the chance and I know that's not very pro ADHD it's not very kind of holding up the flag our community but sometimes it's just exhausting, it's horrific and sometimes I f****** hate it." His fans raced to share messages of support in the comment section. One wrote: "Those who love you will always have patience and understanding. They will listen and understand when you are overwhelmed and frustrated. Asking for help is empowering." A second said: "Thank you for this. I see so many 'quirky' posts about ADHD (forgetting keys, being late) but the reality and guilt can be incredibly hard to live with. Solidarity." A third added: "Bless you John, hoping the coming days are kind to you." John has previously been honest about his diagnosis. In 2023, he explained his experiences after he was diagnosed with the condition. He explained: "I've known my behaviour over the past decade (and my thinking for the past 30-odd years) has not been 'normal'. "I've often questioned whether I have some personality disorder, deep-rooted psychological trauma, or just a brain that isn't quite wired up right." Since finding fame, John has been open about his mental health battle and previously discussed suffering from bulimia and suicidal thoughts in 2019. In 2021 he revealed on the Life On A Plate podcast how he was left feeling suicidal and quit fame to live on a farm after winning The Great British Bake Off. He returned to university after the show to do his barrister training but ended up getting pneumonia from stress - leading him to drop out of the law course. But he soon returned to public life after he was confirmed to be the first ever male celeb to be paired in a same-sex couple on Strictly.
The Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly and OnlyFans star John Whaite opens up on health struggle, saying ‘it makes life almost unbearable'
STRICTLY star John Whaite has opened up about his ADHD and said "it makes life almost unbearable". The Bake Off star, 36, shared a video on Instagram saying: "as much as my ADHD can be a superpower, sometimes it makes life confusing. 2 2 "Sometimes it makes life almost unbearable. "I was promised I'd get older and wiser, but sometimes I feel like I'm just an ageing fool." ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. John told fans in the clip: "Oh can we just talk about the reality of life with ADHD because you know a lot of the time we think we have a superpower and sometimes it can serve us very well. "It can serve us in so many ways where we can fixate on things and achieve things and create things and really do the best work or something imaginable but often that's such a pyrrhic victory because we bleed ourselves dry or we exhaust ourselves in doing it or we abandon plans or friends or family and the reality of ADHD is that it can make us believe that what we're doing in life sometimes is the exactly the righteous course of action for us. "It's the right path in spite of what people who love us might say. "And then when it gets to the point where we are our interest fizzles away, the reality kicks in and we see the truth and we see the situation for what it is. "At that point we're left kind of thinking f***, I've given up so much for this. I've ignored people who love me for this. Channel 4 star John Whaite 'quits TV' after being left 'blindsided' by Steph's Packed Lunch axe "And this is really exhausting because usually the older you get the wise you get. "And while that can still be true in a situation where you have ADHD I think the reality. "As you get older you don't necessarily get wiser, you just get older and when you get older and you keep making silly little mistakes people become less tolerant of those mistakes because you're meant to be older and wiser." He added: "So much as we can say that ADHD is a superpower it is, also lets admit it concrete block around us and I think we need to acknowledge. "You know there's so much positivity, but on the flip side of it can be so crippling and so dehumanising and annoying." "If I could chose to live life neurotypically at this point in my life, I would jump at the chance and I know that's not very pro ADHD it's not very kind of holding up the flag our community but sometimes it's just exhausting, it's horrific and sometimes I f****** hate it." His fans raced to share messages of support in the comment section. One wrote: "Those who love you will always have patience and understanding. They will listen and understand when you are overwhelmed and frustrated. Asking for help is empowering." A second said: "Thank you for this. I see so many 'quirky' posts about ADHD (forgetting keys, being late) but the reality and guilt can be incredibly hard to live with. Solidarity." A third added: "Bless you John, hoping the coming days are kind to you." John has previously been honest about his diagnosis. In 2023, he explained his experiences after he was diagnosed with the condition. He explained: "I've known my behaviour over the past decade (and my thinking for the past 30-odd years) has not been 'normal'. "I've often questioned whether I have some personality disorder, deep-rooted psychological trauma, or just a brain that isn't quite wired up right." Since finding fame, John has been open about his mental health battle and previously discussed suffering from bulimia and suicidal thoughts in 2019. In 2021 he revealed on the Life On A Plate podcast how he was left feeling suicidal and quit fame to live on a farm after winning The Great British Bake Off. He returned to university after the show to do his barrister training but ended up getting pneumonia from stress - leading him to drop out of the law course. But he soon returned to public life after he was confirmed to be the first ever male celeb to be paired in a same-sex couple on Strictly. What are the signs of ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects people's behaviour. The NHS reveals that the symptoms in adults and kids are… Inattentiveness having a short attention span and being easily distracted making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork appearing forgetful or losing things being unable to stick at tasks that are tedious or time-consuming appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions constantly changing activity or task having difficulty organising tasks Hyperactivity and impulsiveness being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings constantly fidgeting being unable to concentrate on tasks excessive physical movement excessive talking acting without thinking interrupting conversations little or no sense of danger mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Strictly and OnlyFans star John Whaite opens up on health struggle, saying ‘it makes life almost unbearable'
STRICTLY star John Whaite has opened up about his ADHD and said "it makes life almost unbearable". The Bake Off star, 36, shared a video on Instagram saying: "as much as my ADHD can be a superpower, sometimes it makes life confusing. Advertisement 2 John Whaite opened up about his ADHD battle Credit: instagram/@john_whaite 2 The Strictly star said the condition can sometimes not feel like a 'superpower' Credit: Getty "Sometimes it makes life almost unbearable. "I was promised I'd get older and wiser, but sometimes I feel like I'm just an ageing fool." ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. Advertisement READ MORE ON JOHN WHAITE "It can serve us in so many ways where we can fixate on things and achieve things and create things and really do the best work or something imaginable but often that's such a pyrrhic victory because we bleed ourselves dry or we exhaust ourselves in doing it or we abandon plans or friends or family and the reality of ADHD is that it can make us believe that what we're doing in life sometimes is the exactly the righteous course of action for us. "It's the right path in spite of what people who love us might say. "And then when it gets to the point where we are our interest fizzles away, the reality kicks in and we see the truth and we see the situation for what it is. "At that point we're left kind of thinking f***, I've given up so much for this. I've ignored people who love me for this. Advertisement Most read in News TV Channel 4 star John Whaite 'quits TV' after being left 'blindsided' by Steph's Packed Lunch axe "And this is really exhausting because usually the older you get the wise you get. "And while that can still be true in a situation where you have ADHD I think the reality. "As you get older you don't necessarily get wiser, you just get older and when you get older and you keep making silly little mistakes people become less tolerant of those mistakes because you're meant to be older and wiser." He added: "So much as we can say that ADHD is a superpower it is, also lets admit it concrete block around us and I think we need to acknowledge. Advertisement "You know there's so much positivity, but on the flip side of it can be so crippling and so dehumanising and annoying." "If I could chose to live life neurotypically at this point in my life, I would jump at the chance and I know that's not very pro ADHD it's not very kind of holding up the flag our community but sometimes it's just exhausting, it's horrific and sometimes I f****** hate it." His fans raced to share messages of support in the comment section. One wrote: "Those who love you will always have patience and understanding. They will listen and understand when you are overwhelmed and frustrated. Asking for help is empowering." Advertisement A second said: "Thank you for this. I see so many 'quirky' posts about ADHD (forgetting keys, being late) but the reality and guilt can be incredibly hard to live with. Solidarity." A third added: "Bless you John, hoping the coming days are kind to you." John has previously been In 2023, he explained his experiences after he was diagnosed with the condition. Advertisement He explained: "I've known my behaviour over the past decade (and my thinking for the past 30-odd years) has not been 'normal'. "I've often questioned whether I have some personality disorder, deep-rooted psychological trauma, or just a brain that isn't quite wired up right." Since finding fame, In 2021 he revealed on the Advertisement He returned to university after the show to do his barrister training but ended up getting pneumonia from stress - leading him to drop out of the law course. But he soon returned to public life after he was confirmed to be the What are the signs of ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects people's behaviour. Inattentiveness having a short attention span and being easily distracted making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork appearing forgetful or losing things being unable to stick at tasks that are tedious or time-consuming appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions constantly changing activity or task having difficulty organising tasks Hyperactivity and impulsiveness being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings constantly fidgeting being unable to concentrate on tasks excessive physical movement excessive talking acting without thinking interrupting conversations little or no sense of danger mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
