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I Swear: Feature film to explore life of Scots Tourette's campaigner

I Swear: Feature film to explore life of Scots Tourette's campaigner

STV News11-07-2025
A major film exploring the life of Scottish Tourette's activist John Davidson is set to be released.
The 53-year-old, from Galashiels, rose to prominence in 1989 in the BBC documentary John's Not Mad, a programme which highlighted his rare condition, which causes uncontrollable, foul-mouthed public outbursts.
The film, titled I Swear, will follow John's journey with Tourette's throughout his troubled teens and early adulthood.
The campaigner was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome in the 1980s, aged 15, during a period when the condition was little known and entirely misunderstood.
The film's logline reads: 'Diagnosed with Tourette's at age 15, John Davidson faced and overcame many hardships from adolescence and early adulthood as a result of what was a little known and entirely misunderstood condition in 1980's Britain.
'I Swear is a funny, heartfelt, and moving account of John's experiences.'
John was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his efforts to increase understanding of the condition and helping families deal with it across the country.
Robert Aramayo, who starred as a young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, will play the Scot in the biopic.
Actors Shirley Henderson, Maxine Peake and Peter Mullan will also star in the film, alongside individuals who live with Tourette's.
The film is being directed by English filmmaker Kirk Jones, whose previous credits include Nanny McPhee and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.
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