A Bristol comedian has opened up about his struggles with alcohol. John Robins spoke about how he battled to control his addiction and the effect it had on his mental health in BBC Sounds podcast series How Do You Cope?
The program returns for its fourth series this week and features guests including Gabby Logan, James Cracknell, and Katie Piper.
In the show, John revealed that in February a doctor told him that he had to address his drinking.
The BBC Radio 5 Live presenter – who co-hosts the podcast alongside Welsh comedian Elis James – initially called a helpline and arranged to get support before canceling.
“And then basically I just drank every day until I had to make that difficult change,” he said.
He revealed that his motivation to do something was the “opposite of a lightbulb moment”.
“It was like the last light got switched off and I was like ‘I am done. I can’t do this on my own and I’m completely lost.’
“I just had nothing left – there was nowhere I could go because I got myself in such a state.”
After realizing he needed help, he attended a 12-step recovery program and has not drunk alcohol since.
The pair are joined by a host of stars throughout the series – all of whom open up about some of the greatest challenges they have faced, both mentally and physically.
Other guests include snooker player Shaun Murphy, who speaks about his weight struggles, and former broadcaster Iain Lee who reveals what it was like leaving the limelight to become a counselor.
Speaking ahead of the series launch, Elis said: “Yet again it has been an absolute privilege to conduct some of the most illuminating conversations I have ever had for this new series.
“I can’t wait for our listeners to hear people in the public eye speak so candidly about some of the challenges they have had to face in private.”
A new episode will be released every week via BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from Tuesday 6 June.
In other news – Shannen Doherty reveals breast cancer has spread to her brain
Shannen Doherty revealed Tuesday that the breast cancer she has been battling for several years has spread to her brain in an emotional post on Instagram.
“On January 5th, my scan showed Mets in my brain,” Doherty, the “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” actress, captioned a video of her receiving radiation.Read More
