Latest news with #FreshMeat
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Death In Paradise star shares life-changing diagnosis she's ‘still processing' with emotional post to fans about ‘heartache and feeling broken'
A Death In Paradise star has shared a life-changing diagnosis she is 'still processing' in an emotional post to fans about 'heartache and feeling broken'. Kimberley Nixon, who plays murdered TV presenter Catrina McVey in series eight of the BBC police drama, shared the news on Instagram earlier this month. The Welsh actress, 39, told her nearly 300,000 followers she had been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Alongside a collage of photos of her crying happy tears, she wrote in the caption of her vulnerable post: 'Happy tears. Still processing. 'I feel lighter than I have in a long time because instead of feeling like my brain is "broken", I know now that it was just doing things differently all this time.' Fans rushed to the comments section to praise and express their support for Kimberley, also known as Josie in Channel 4 university sitcom Fresh Meat. The rest of the star's caption read: 'I want to go back in time and give my younger self a cwtch [Welsh for hug] and save her a lot of time and heartache but I can't change anything about how I got here really because then I wouldn't be me. 'I've always shared the ups and downs - so I wanted to share this with the most compassionate and accepting bunch I know - and that's been you lot over these past few years. 'From the midst of brutal postnatal OCD through to today's diagnosis, a lot of you have been with me every step of the way. Thank you, thank you.' Kimberley has previously spoken out about her experience of the mental health condition after the birth of her first child in 2020. She told Radio Wales's Books That Made Me With Lucy Owen how natural concerns about her baby's wellbeing spiralled into unmanageable anxiety. The Pontypridd actress explained: 'Those thoughts - it was like what could happen to him? How can I protect him? - they morphed into what if you're a danger to your baby?... 'I was just convinced that I wasn't doing things right. I wasn't feeding him right. What temperature is he supposed to be? 'Every time he cried I was just sort of shaking - I just got really hyper vigilant and terrified.' She told Radio Wales's Books That Made Me With Lucy Owen how natural concerns about her baby's wellbeing spiralled into unmanageable anxiety. Pictured: Kimberley at the BAFTAs in 2017 She bravely let her followers in on this experience as she was going through it. And they, along with her friends and fellow stars, have now praised her on her latest Instagram post for sharing her autism and ADHD diagnoses with them too. Fellow Fresh Meat star Greg McHugh, who played Howard, commented a heart on the post, as did The Bill actress Georgia Tennant. Candice Brown, celebrity chef and 2016's winner of The Great British Bake Off, said: 'I'm so pleased for you.' Meanwhile, satirical news site The Daily Tism commented: 'One of us! Congratulations!' Autistic content creator Corinne Bryan weighed in: 'Congratulations. The diagnosis for me was the starting point for the rest of my life (and it's only been six months). 'Take time to process, you've got this.' Ellie Middleton, an influencer who also has autism and ADHD, said: 'Congrats! Welcome to the club.' Fans, friends and fellow stars rushed to the comments section to praise and express their support for Kimberley The Maternal Mental Health Alliance charity commented: 'We hope it brings you some self-compassion and understanding.' They were joined by the All Aboard ADHD podcast account, which said: 'Congratulations and welcome to our world.' Other commenters were just as encouraging: 'Congratulations on the first day of the rest of your life.'; 'Welcome. Go gently with yourself as you adjust to a new inner reality.'; 'Congrats! Bet it must feel so relieving to have more answers. I'm autistic and accepting that helped me so much more in my life.'; 'Sending you the biggest hug! Thank you for being so wonderful on here and sharing your journey with us all.' Alongside Death In Paradise and Fresh Meat, Kimberley is well known for her role as vicar's daughter Sophy Hutton in 2007 BBC period drama Cranford. Based on three Elizabeth Gaskell novellas, it follows life in the titular fictional village in the 1840s. She later appeared in the 2008 teen comedies Wild Child and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, playing antagonist popular girl Lindsay in the latter. Kimberley has also starred alongside comedian Chris Ramsey in 2012 BBC comedy series Hebburn. Set in the fictional titular town in Tyne and Wear, it follows the Pearson family, whose son Jack has secretly married middle-class Jewish woman Sarah on a drunken night in Las Vegas. Kimberley's latest Instagram post sees her join a troupe of celebrities who have all been courageously vulnerable about their autism and ADHD diagnoses. Former Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson also has both conditions, diagnosed with them in 2023. He has regularly spoken out about his experience, posting a clip on Instagram last month, for instance, to try to convey to followers how it affects him. The video showed two versions of him walking down the street, one to represent himself and the other his ADHD. It began with the caption: 'You got diagnosed with ADHD in your late twenties but something still doesn't add up...' It began with the caption: 'You got diagnosed with ADHD in your late twenties but something still doesn't add up...' The light-hearted sketch then sees Sam wearing an inflatable dinosaur costume emerge from around the corner, with a beaming smile - to represent his later diagnosis with autism. Sam then added a text caption, which read: 'Knew there was more to the story' In 2024, Sam became the official ambassador of ADHD UK after he was diagnosed aged 30 - and has previously called the condition his 'superpower' several times. I'm A Celebrity winner Sam said he is trying to 'encourage conversation around the topic' to help change people's minds on how people view ADHD. Sharing his new role with followers, Sam wrote on Instagram: 'BIG NEWS! I am so honoured to announce that I am now an official ambassador of @ 'As many of you know, this is a cause very close to my heart.' He continued: 'Changing perceptions of those with ADHD, and encouraging conversation around this topic is and will continue to be a huge and central part of my life. 'This is what I want my legacy to be, above anything else. 'Since I left the jungle, I've met so many children and adults who have come up to me, or contacted me to say I've helped change their minds on how they view ADHD. 'I want to reach as many people as I possibly can, especially young people and show there is such magic in being neurodiverse. 'Yes, there are some very real challenges along the way, but with the right support, it can be a superpower, it can be a blessing and we can achieve all of our dreams.'
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Death in Paradise actress shares life changing diagnosis in tearful post
The Death in Paradise and Fresh Meat actress has revealed she's 'still processing' the diagnosis in a heartfelt statement on social media Welsh actress Kimberley Nixon, known for her roles in Fresh Meat and Death in Paradise, has revealed to her fans that she's been clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. The 39 year old star took to social media to share her emotional response, posting photos of herself shedding "happy tears" and admitting she's "still processing" the significant diagnosis. In a heartfelt message, Kimberley expressed relief at understanding her brain's unique workings, saying: "Happy tears. Still processing. Haven't read the full report yet, but... Today, I was clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. "I feel lighter than I have in a long time because instead of feeling like my brain is 'broken', I know now that it was just doing things differently all this time." She continued by sharing a tender wish to comfort her younger self, reflecting on her journey: "I want to go back in time and give my younger self a cwtch and save her a lot of time and heartache, but I can't change anything about how I got here, really, because then I wouldn't be me." Signing off, Kimberley thanked her supporters who've been with her through thick and thin: "From the midst of brutal Postnatal OCD through to today's diagnosis, a lot of you have been with me every step of the way. Thank you, thank you." Her followers responded with an outpouring of support in the comments section, with one person celebrating: "Congratulations on the first day of the rest of your life." Another follower offered words of encouragement, writing: "We hope it brings you some self-compassion and understanding," while another welcomed her to the community: "Welcomeeeeee. Go gently with yourself as you adjust to a new inner reality! Xx." Kimberley has also made a name for herself on the big screen, starring in popular films like Wild Child and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, as well as a recent appearance in ITV's drama series about the Salisbury Poisonings, reports the Express. Aside from her acting career, Kimberley is a devoted mum to her son and often shares glimpses into her life as a parent on social media, including adorable snaps with her child and pet dog. In a heartfelt Father's Day tribute to her partner, she praised dads who go above and beyond, saying: "To the dads who not only have a newborn but a struggling partner to care for. "To the dads that show up ALL the time even if they're knackered or grumpy or even more knackered. To the dads who care so deeply but show so little. To the dads that really mean it when it's 50/50. Or 60/40 or 70/30 depending what's going on in life. [...] "Sometimes dads get left out of the perinatal mental illness conversation. I've found in a lot of instances, they're the silent, sidelined heroes keeping everything together. Remember that there's help and support for dads too." Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Death in Paradise star from Wales issues tearful health update
Death in Paradise star from Wales issues tearful health update The Fresh Meat and Death in Paradise actress shared the news on social media in a candid statement, saying she's "still processing" the diagnosis A Death in Paradise actress has shared a health update (Image: BBC ) Kimberley Nixon has unveiled that she's been clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. The 39 year old star from Wales, known for her roles in Fresh Meat and Death in Paradise, shared with her followers on social media that she's shedding "happy tears" as she's "still processing" the pivotal discovery. In a heartfelt statement, accompanied by several photos revealing her emotional response, she expressed, "Happy tears. Still processing. Haven't read the full report yet, but... Today, I was clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. "I feel lighter than I have in a long time because instead of feeling like my brain is 'broken', I now understand that it was just doing things differently all this time." Kimberley was also in Death in Paradise (Image: BBC ) Vanessa Feltz teams up with child therapist daughter to launch parenting podcast READ MORE: Brian Cox to tour in one man show READ MORE: She continued by wishing she could comfort her younger self to ease past struggles: "I want to go back in time and give my younger self a cwtch and save her a lot of time and heartache, but I can't change anything about how I got here, really, because then I wouldn't be me." Article continues below Concluding her message, Kimberley warmly acknowledged the support of her supporters: "From the midst of brutal Postnatal OCD through to today's diagnosis, a lot of you have been with me every step of the way. Thank you, thank you." Her announcement was met with an outpouring of support in the comments, with someone remarking, "Congratulations on the first day of the rest of your life." Another added their thoughts, saying, "We hope it brings you some self-compassion and understanding," while another extended a warm welcome: "Welcomeeeeee. Go gently with yourself as you adjust to a new inner reality! Xx." Kimberley has graced the screen in a number of films, with her roles in popular chick flicks like Wild Child and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging standing out. She's also been seen in the ITV drama adaptation of the Salisbury Poisonings, reports the Express. Kimberley is also known for her role in the comedy Fresh Meat (Image: Channel 4 ) In addition to her acting career, she is a devoted mother to her son and occasionally shares snaps of her little one and her dog. On Father's Day, Kimberley took to social media to honour her partner, expressing, "To the dads who not only have a newborn but a struggling partner to care for. Article continues below "To the dads that show up ALL the time even if they're knackered or grumpy or even more knackered. To the dads who care so deeply but show so little. To the dads that really mean it when it's 50/50. Or 60/40 or 70/30 depending what's going on in life. [...]". "Sometimes dads get left out of the perinatal mental illness conversation. I've found in a lot of instances, they're the silent, sidelined heroes keeping everything together. Remember that there's help and support for dads too." Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Kimberley Nixon feels 'lighter' after ADHD and autism diagnosis
A Welsh actress says a "huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders" after being diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Kimberley Nixon, star of Channel 4's Fresh Meat, developed perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), after giving birth to her son during the 2020 said her worries about her baby's well-being escalated into intense anxiety, with symptoms lasting around two and a half years. As she began to recover, other lifelong patterns started to make sense, prompting her to seek a diagnosis. Following a series of in-depth assessments and standard diagnostic tests, she was formally diagnosed with autism and ADHD on an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Nixon told presenter Behnaz Akhgar: "We all know what the NHS is like when it comes to waiting lists, so it's taken a while. "The assessments are incredibly thorough - they dig into every little nook and cranny of your life and your past."The actress, from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, known for her roles in Wild Child and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, said she now feels "lighter" and is "kinder" to herself, which she described as "really lovely."Reflecting on the diagnosis, she said: "It's that square peg in a round hole feeling. "I've realised it's not that my brain is wrong - it's just different. "I don't process or interpret things the same way others do. "That always felt like a problem. "But now, it just feels like a difference." Nixon also spoke about her experience of being diagnosed with perinatal OCD, which is when you experience OCD during pregnancy or in the first year after giving is a mental health condition characterised by intrusive thoughts and compulsive years of IVF, she gave birth to her son during the 2020 pandemic, which she described as the "big catalyst" for her struggles."I went through a really tough time postpartum," she said. "Eventually, I was diagnosed with perinatal OCD - which I didn't even know was a thing. "Once you start looking into it, you realise it's actually quite common."Nixon said the condition did not present in the typical ways people associate with OCD. "I'm not a neat freak, I don't tick the usual boxes - but with perinatal OCD, I absolutely did," she said. "It involved really distressing intrusive thoughts, repetitive thinking, and punishing compulsions - just to relieve the anxiety."Last year, she told BBC Radio Wales' Books That Made Me with Lucy Owen: "I was just convinced that I wasn't doing things right. "I wasn't feeding him right. What temperature is he supposed to be?"Every time he cried I was just sort of shaking - I just got really hyper vigilant and terrified."Since learning more about the condition, Nixon has made it a priority to speak openly about it, saying it's "not as widely recognised as postnatal depression". In Thursday's interview, Nixon also spoke about her latest role in the ITV series Shardlake. She plays the character Joan in the four-part drama, which is based on CJ Sansom's historical mystery first season adapts the book Dissolution. The story follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake as he investigates a murder at a remote monastery during the reign of Henry a graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, said the series was filmed in Budapest and it felt like "a little Hungarian Welsh college reunion", as fellow cast members Arthur Hughes and Anthony Boyle also trained at the same institution.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fresh Meat and Death In Paradise star reveals life changing diagnosis at 39 saying she's in tears and ‘still processing'
A FRESH Meat and Death in Paradise star has revealed her life changing health diagnosis at 39, saying she's in tears and 'still processing.' Kimberley Nixon famously played Josie in Fresh Meat, who seemed like a very shy Welsh girl, but was actually foul-mouthed and short-tempered. 4 4 Before Fresh Meat, Kimberley had been in films Wild Child and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. Since the show she's appeared in Ordinary Lies, Death in Paradise and ITV drama The Salisbury Poisonings. Now, the 39-year-old actress has revealed she has been clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. Sharing a collage of photos of herself crying 'happy tears,' in a grey jumper, the star shared her update with fans. Kimberley wrote: 'Happy tears. Still processing. Haven't read the full report yet but… 'Today I was clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. 'I feel lighter than I have in a long time because instead of feeling like my brain is 'broken', I know now that it was just doing things differently all this time.' She continued: 'I want to go back in time and give my younger self a cwtch and save her a lot of time and heartache but I can't change anything about how I got here really because then I wouldn't be me. 'I've always shared the ups and downs - so I wanted to share this with the most compassionate and accepting bunch I know - and that's been you lot over these past few years. Jack Whitehall reunites with Fresh Meat co-stars 12yrs after joining Channel 4 sitcom 'From the midst of brutal Postnatal OCD through to today's diagnosis, a lot of you have been with me every step of the way. Thank you, thank you.' Fans rushed to the comments to praise the star for her honest words, as one person wrote: 'Congratulations on the first day of the rest of your life.' A second penned: 'We hope it brings you some self-compassion and understanding,' and a third echoed: 'Welcomeeeeee 💛 Go gently with yourself as you adjust to a new inner reality! Xx' What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls. Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people's feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations. When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead. They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals. Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress. High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder. The star is a proud mum to a little boy, and also has a dog, both of which she shares occasional photos of on social media. In a sweet Father's Day post recently, Kimberley praised her partner and posted a carousel of images of him with their adorable son. She wrote: 'To the Dads who not only have a newborn but a struggling partner to care for. 'To the Dads that show up ALL the time even if they're knackered or grumpy or even more knackered. To the Dads who care so deeply but show so little. 'To the Dads that really mean it when it's 50/50. Or 60/40 or 70/30 depending what's going on in life. 'To the Dads who hug and kiss their children and leave them in no doubt how loved they are. To the Dads who always stand up for their partner. 'To this Dad, who never looked away even when things got tough. Who always saw straight through to the heart of me when I lost myself and even I couldn't see it. Who loves me and our son unconditionally but that doesn't mean he'll let us get away with stuff. 'Sometimes Dads get left out of the perinatal mental illness conversation. I've found in a lot of instances, they're the silent, sidelined heroes keeping everything together. Remember that there's help and support for Dads too.' 4 4
