Strictly star John Whaite opens up on his struggle with health condition that 'makes life almost unbearable'

Daily Mail​

09-06-2025

John Whaite has opened up about his struggles with ADHD, admitting that the health condition can sometimes 'make life almost unbearable'.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 36, revealed that he had been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in 2023, noting at the time that he wished he'd found out 'sooner' so he could include it in his memoir.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulse control and activity levels. Common symptoms include restlessness, distractibility, forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions or managing time, and making impulsive decisions.
And taking to Instagram on Sunday, John gave an update on living with the condition, telling his fans that while it's his 'superpower', it can almost make life 'confusing.'
He wrote: 'Much as #ADHD can be a superpower, sometimes it makes life confusing. Sometimes it makes life almost unbearable. I was promised I'd get older and wiser, but sometimes I feel like I'm just an ageing fool.'
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John went on to go into further detail on his condition in a heartfelt video as he shared how it affects him.
He said: 'Oh can we just talk about the reality of life with ADHD because you know a lot of the time we think we have a superpower and sometimes it can serve us very well.
'It can serve us in so many ways where we can fixate on things and achieve things and create things and really do the best work or something imaginable but often that's such a pyrrhic victory because we bleed ourselves dry or we exhaust ourselves in doing it or we abandon plans or friends or family and the reality of ADHD is that it can make us believe that what we're doing in life sometimes is the exactly the righteous course of action for us.
'It's the right path in spite of what people who love us might say. And then when it gets to the point where we are our interest fizzles away, the reality kicks in and we see the truth and we see the situation for what it is.
'At that point we're left kind of thinking f***, I've given up so much for this. I've ignored people who love me for this.
'And this is really exhausting because usually the older you get the wise you get. And while that can still be true in a situation where you have ADHD I think the reality.
'As you get older you don't necessarily get wiser, you just get older and when you get older and you keep making silly little mistakes people become less tolerant of those mistakes because you're meant to be older and wiser.'
The Great British Bake Off winner went on to say: 'So much as we can say that ADHD is a superpower it is, also lets admit it concrete block around us and I think we need to acknowledge.
'You know there's so much positivity, but on the flip side of it can be so crippling and so dehumanising and annoying."
'If I could chose to live life neurotypically at this point in my life, I would jump at the chance and I know that's not very pro ADHD it's not very kind of holding up the flag our community but sometimes it's just exhausting, it's horrific and sometimes I f****** hate it.'
In 2023, John revealed that he was revealing his ADHD diagnosis to help others.
He has previously been very honest about his mental health, sharing his battle with depression and bulimia and difficult relationship with alcohol.
Sharing a photo of himself, John wrote: 'Am I posting this for a dopamine rush, or to inform? Well, it turns out, a little bit of both. Because I have ADHD, which explains a lot.
'I've known my behaviour over the past decade (and my thinking for the past 30-odd years) has not been 'normal'.
'I've often questioned whether I have some personality disorder, deep-rooted psychological trauma, or just a brain that isn't quite wired up right.
'I've been impulsive and borderline addicted (to sex, porn, shopping, food, drink, drugs), and have made some very questionable decisions.
'But these weren't decisions, they were compulsions, because of the neurological functioning inside my head.'
Staying positive, he added: 'But it's not all bad. Because I truly believe it's my ADHD that has allowed me to become so obsessed and focussed on things I like, that I work hard at them until I'm burnt out.
'While burn-out isn't great, the skills I've garnered and career paths I've taken along the way, have been a huge part of my strength and success. And I'm grateful for those chances and opportunities.
'But I'm even more grateful for the knowledge that I have ADHD. Because instantly the shame and guilt can be replaced with conversation - destruction becomes construction.'
He continued: 'I wasn't going to share this. I was going to keep it for myself. But I know from speaking openly about depression, alcohol use, bulimia, that people can seek comfort from the experiences of others. I know I certainly have.
'So, I may be looking for a dopamine rush here. I may be doing my duty as someone in the public eye to share my lived experience. Either way, make of this what you will.
'A huge heartfelt thank you to @shahna_h (and @irondoctorhaz) for their kindness and support ❤️.'
He concluded: 'I just wish I'd known this sooner, so I could have written about it in my memoir (which has already gone to print), but now when you read it, I think you'll understand it even better.'
WHAT IS ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK.
Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:
Constant fidgeting
Poor concentration
Excessive movement or talking
Acting without thinking
Inability to deal with stress
Little or no sense of danger
Careless mistakes
Mood swings
Forgetfulness
Difficulty organising tasks
Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
Inability to listen or carry out instructions
Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.
ADHD's exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person's brain function and structure.
Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk.
ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's and epilepsy.
There is no cure.
A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier.