Strictly and Great British Bake Off star John Whaite has candidly shared an emotional message to reveal he had been secretly dealing with an addiction to steroids for five years
Strictly star John Whaite broke down in tears as he admitted to a secret addiction to steroids. The former Great British Bake Off contestant, 36, wiped away the tears as he confessed to wanting to “end his life” as the problem gripped.
Taking to Instagram, the star shared a candid post in which he opened up on the issue. He explained how he first began taking steroids during lockdown.
John said he began taking them after looking at himself in the mirror and not liking what reflected back. He admitted that ever since that moment he has been “disrespecting his body”.
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In the upload, John admitted to the devastating side effects he faced from the drug. He said: “Steroid addiction – the truth. For the past five years I’ve let myself down.
“I haven’t respected my body or my mind, I’ve put body image before my own wellbeing and before time with my family. Steroids have made me want to end my life. That stops today. Right now.”
He went on to say he now “chooses life” and wants a “simpler life”. Talking through the tears, John went on: “I first started taking them during lockdown because I looked in the mirror and I hated what I saw.
“I tried working out, I tried dieting – I was really strict with my diet – but nothing changed, I couldn’t gain muscle. Looking back, there was nothing wrong with me – I had a normal body.
“The more that people acknowledged how I looked on steroids, the more I felt good about myself. But the reality is, steroids have shrunk my b*******.
“I’ve got tiny balls now, I’ve got an irregular sex drive… Sometimes it’s very high and I end up doing stupid things and don’t respect my body.”
After an influx of support from friends, family and followers, John shared a follow-up message to thank everyone for their support. And while he admits there will be an update in future, he admitted now “is the time for recovery – nothing more”.
On his Stories, he added: “I’m prioritising regulating my hormones and health, and will speak about it more when the time is right, and in a way that I feel is most respectful to the subject matter and to myself.”
Among those who had reached out in the comments section of his video was hair and makeup artist for ITV, Scott Beswick. He simply shared clapping hand emojis and a love heart. Singer Olly Alexander was also among those liking the post.
John, who had appeared on OnlyFans, revealed earlier this year he was quitting the platform. In September, he said he now feels a “true sense of purpose” for the first time in more than a decade.
John said in a social media post at the time that his baked goods store Ruff Puff Bakehouse, which opened in July, and his brownies brand Ruff Puff Brownies have reminded him of a “talent” that he has “neglected”.
*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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