Johnny Vegas vows to 'kickstart debate' as he shares emotional insight to life
The comedy star of Benidorm and Still Open All Hours shows a whole new side as he tackles major art challenge while getting to grips with an ADHD diagnosis
Johnny Vegas will be seen getting to grips with his recent ADHD diagnosis in a new Channel 4 two-parter in which he returns to his first love of art.
The comedian, actor and trained potter has signed up to produce a piece of public art for his hometown of St Helens in Merseyside, and the cameras have followed him as he takes on the biggest artistic challenge of his career.
A show source said: 'What starts as a creative endeavour turns into a journey of self-discovery when Johnny receives a diagnosis of ADHD. Though the original artistic vision falters, the documentary uncovers a silver lining—an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself.'
Johnny, 54, told the Mirror: 'I used to sit at a potter's wheel on stage. People thought it was a gimmick, but I actually started out as a dedicated wannabe ceramicist. Art was my educational saviour.
"Over years of witnessing what felt like an ongoing decline in educational commitment to the very same arts, I felt it was time I threw my hat back into the ring. To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.'
He revealed that he'd been diagnosed with ADHD in 2023, saying at the time that it "answers a lot of questions about behavioural issues in the past'. He added: "In some respects, you can go back and look at it with regret, but I've had a bit of a charmed life, so it's no regrets," he said. "I know now, and it helps you make changes, I suppose, as you want to get more responsible later in life. I don't see it as defining me.'
Programme-maker Adeel Amini, of Rumpus Media, said that fans would love seeing Johnny returning to his roots. 'Johnny tackles art and creativity with his trademark wit and humour, as well as a great deal of honesty and emotion, showing us a brand new side to one of Britain's best-loved figures.'
C4 specialist factual boss Shaminder Nahal says: 'This series brings to life the power of art for everyone – how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire. Beautifully filmed over several years, the series showcases Johnny's unique humour, heart and passion – uncovering the intricacies and demands of artistic process along the way. It's an enlightening, eye-opening and emotional journey.'
It is thought that as many as one in 20 UK adults could have the condition, but many cases are unidentified. Other celebrities who have been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood include presenters Ant McPartlin and Richard Bacon, comedian Rory Bremner and TV presenter Sue Perkins.
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