08-04-2025
People ‘weaponise' ADHD to make excuses, suggests Sue Perkins
The comedian Sue Perkins has suggested that people 'weaponise' the label of ADHD to make excuses.
The former Great British Bake Off presenter was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 2022, aged 53.
Perkins, who is now fronting the new BBC game show Chess Masters: The Endgame, told Radio Times that the diagnosis was 'useful to have' because it helped her understand 'why some things make me very upset and stressed'.
However, the TV presenter explained that the label of the disorder was 'not about going, 'I can't and I won't because I've got a certificate''.
She added: 'I don't weaponise it to make excuses for things that I do that aren't optimal. I want to be the best version of myself.'
Speaking about her diagnosis, Perkins explained: 'I understand why I lose everything, why I can't prepare for things, why I don't like repetition.'
According to the NHS, adults with ADHD typically show signs of being inattentive and struggling to concentrate. This may include having a lot of energy, feeling restless, being forgetful and finding it hard to organise your time.
They may also show signs of being more hyperactive or impulsive such as being very talkative and interrupting conversations, as well as making quick decisions without thinking about the results or consequences.
Elsewhere in the interview, Perkins explained that her late diagnosis made her feel like an 'outsider'.
She said: 'We all feel like outsiders. But being diagnosed with ADHD very late is one reason I felt that way.'
In 2023, Perkins responded to a post on X – formerly Twitter – about having the disorder after Tom Gray, the British songwriter and Gomez band member, opened up about his potential diagnosis.
I have fully crept. Once I had the diagnosis, suddenly everything made sense - to me and those who love me. Wishing you well on the journey, Tom x
— Sue Perkins 💙 (@sueperkins) January 4, 2023
Alongside TV presenting, the comedian will soon be touring her new stand-up live show, The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins, setting off in January next year.
Describing the premise of the show, she said: 'I'm unpacking what would have overwhelmed me when I was younger – the endless failings, awkwardness and difficulties of life.'
Perkins is also the co-host of a podcast with the comedian Mel Truly, entitled Mel & Sue: Should Know By Now.
