Johnny Vegas admits he had a ‘meltdown’ amid his ADHD battle as he reflects on the ‘most difficult part of his life’ and what saved him

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By KIRSTEN MURRAY, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Johnny Vegas has admitted he had a ‘meltdown’ amid his ADHD battle as the comedian, 54, opened up about the most challenging year of his life. 

The actor and comedian’s upcoming two-part Channel 4 show sees him create a piece of art for his hometown, St. Helens, in Merseyside. 

However during filming, the star was rocked by a shock health diagnosis as he discovered he had ADHD. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. 

And now Johnny has opened up about the ‘most difficult time of his life’ and how his art saved him. 

He told The Mirror: ‘I went into meltdown, I couldn’t function. It seemed insurmountable. I had to get professional help. This has been the most difficult part of my life. But the art saved me.’

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Johnny Vegas has admitted he had a ‘meltdown’ amid his ADHD battle as he reflected on the ‘most difficult part of his life’ and what saved him (pictured in 2024) 

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During filming for his upcoming Channel 4 show the star was rocked by a shock health diagnosis as he discovered he had ADHD

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Explaining how the noise in his brain stops when he is working on his art he continued: ‘With ADHD, when everyone else is going to bed, my brain goes, “It’s just you and me now”.

‘It lives to work against you. But the one time the white noise stops, the one time I can focus, the one time that having ADHD is good for you is art. The world makes sense when I am working on my art.’

Johnny took a year off work amid his health battle before he returned for his debut art exhibition. 

His new documentary, titled Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me, will see the star embark on a ‘creative endeavour’ that ends up being a ‘journey of self-discovery’.

The documentary delves into ‘an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself’.

Previously speaking about the new show, Johnny revealed he was once a ‘dedicated wannabe ceramicist’.

He said: ‘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. 

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He said: ‘I went into meltdown, I couldn’t function. It seemed insurmountable. I had to get professional help. This has been the most difficult part of my life’ (pictured back in 2021)  

‘To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual a symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.’

Channel 4 boss Shaminder Nahal revealed the documentary had been filmed over years and added: ‘This series brings to life the power of art for everyone – how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire.

‘Beautifully filmed over several years by Eddie Stafford, 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.’