BBC commissions 'raw and unfiltered' documentary about popular TV chef's bipolar diagnosis - after psychotic mania left him sectioned in hospital
The BBC has commissioned a 'raw and unfiltered' documentary about a popular TV chef's life following his bipolar diagnosis - after he was sectioned for a manic episode.
Heston Blumenthal, 58, known for presenting Channel 4 shows Heston's Fantastical Food and Heston's Feasts, was diagnosed with the condition in November 2023 after he began experiencing hallucinations, mania and even suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder which causes unusual and often sudden changes in mood and energy levels.
The English chef and restaurateur, 58, previously told how his wife French entrepreneur Melanie Ceysson, 36, made the brave choice to have him sectioned - which he has since said 'saved my life'.
After being hospitalised for two months, he is now feeling much better, with the help of medication - and wants to use his experience to raise awareness of the condition.
And now, the BBC is set to release an hour-long film on June 19 called Heston: My Life With Bipolar about the aftermath of his diagnosis.
The documentary will also look into the state of healthcare for those with bipolar in the UK, with Heston talking to others who also have the condition about their experiences.
He said: 'It took me 50 years to get a diagnosis, so it's been an extraordinary journey to get where I am today.
'There is still a big stigma around bipolar, but it is vital to be able to talk openly about the condition.
'I know this isn't always easy, but I hope by sharing my experience in this documentary people will gain a greater understanding of bipolar and an insight into my life now.'
Heston, who has an impressive seven Michelin stars, became an ambassador for Bipolar UK in February.
The charity describes the mental health condition as an episodic disorder characterised by potentially extreme changes in energy and mood.
It carries the highest suicide risk of any mental health condition.
Bipolar UK estimates more than one million adults in Britain have the disorder - which is 30 per cent more than the number of people with dementia.
But it is thought some 56 per cent of those living with bipolar in the UK do not have a diagnosis.
Mike Radford, executive producer of the upcoming documentary, said: 'This is the first time Heston has given his account of what happened for a documentary.
'We're grateful to Heston for giving such a raw and unfiltered view of his life with this condition, which we know impacts the lives of so many people.'
The film, recorded over the course of six months, will see Heston and his loved ones about how his undiagnosed bipolar disorder affected them.
He will also speak about how he has since managed undergoing long-term treatment for it - which he has previously said has impacted his energy and creativity.
The chef, known for experimental creations like snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream, told Newsnight in February medication initially left him 'zombified', with 'no energy at all'.
He said: 'As my medications have been changed and my levels of self-confidence and self-awareness have gone up I realise my imagination and creativity is still there.
'It was at levels that were so extreme before... looking back I can remember during my manic highs I was interrupting myself with ideas.'
The documentary will track his journey towards recovery and returning to work, to run his Michelin-starred restaurants The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, and Dinner, in London, and pub The Hind's Head, also in Bray.
It comes after a heart-wrenching tell-all interview Heston gave to This Morning in March, recounting his suicidal thoughts and how he hallucinated about guns.
The chef spoke about his mental health struggles to presenters Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shepherd, 50, to mark bipolar awareness month.
He is keen to raise awareness about the condition, explaining the figures about the high number of people living with it in the UK - along with the significant proportion of those who are undiagnosed.
The food critic explained before his diagnosis, he had stepped away from cooking and had a bit more time on his hands, which meant manic episodes became more prevalent.
Heston said on the ITV show: 'In the darker moments, there was suicidal thoughts...
'I realised afterwards, it's quite a classic symptom of being in a mania stage you can hallucinate sound, smell, touch. I saw a gun on the table.
'I told my wife, which obviously, for me, it all seemed quite normal. I looked back at it, there was nothing normal about it.'
WHAT IS BIPOLAR?
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder which causes unusual and often sudden changes in mood and energy levels.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Moods of those with bipolar disorder range from periods of extreme elation and energy (known as a manic episode) to periods of extreme somberness and lack of energy (known as a depressive episode).
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
According to the International Bipolar Foundation, sufferers are diagnosed with rapid cycling if they have four or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes in any 12-month period.
This severe form of the condition occurs in around 10 to 20 percent of all people with bipolar disorder.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Currently it is unknown what is the cause of bipolar disorder, which affects around 5.7 million US adults aged 18 or older.
Scientists say genetics could play a role or that those with a a family history of bipolar disorder are more likely to have it.
Heston wants to break the stigma surrounding the disorder and confessed that he had 'no idea' he had it.
He explained: 'It was about 13/14 months ago when I was sectioned.
'I got the diagnosis. I had no idea. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2017, so there is quite a big cross over with ADHD and Bipolar. There are similar symptoms.
'I really didn't think about it until having sort of manic highs and dropping to these lows.
'When you're on these manic highs, you get this sense of I don't know, you think I'm superman, everything is beautiful.
'Then something happens, it's a bit like an an overreactive child that's really having a great time, then someone moves something and then they have a mini tantrum.
'Then you can go into these sort of darker moments.'
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The restaurant owner also praised his wife Melanie for having him sectioned: 'It was the best thing that could have happened to me.'
Cat said: 'That is very brave of her.'
'She didn't know if I'd blame her so much, that there was resentment build it,' he continued, 'But it saved my life.'
After two months of hospitalisation he was put on medication 'that is continually being tweaked'.
Heston said: 'I can look back and think blimey, those highs and lows, now I am definitely in the process of stabilising.'
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