An Apprentice contestant has revealed he previously spent up to £500 a week on cocaine and experienced suicidal thoughts following a period of intense mental health struggles.
Kieran McCartney, 27, an estate agent, shared details of his past drug use, which he says did not occur during the filming of the BBC business competition featuring Lord Sugar.
Mr McCartney explained that his struggles began after the death of his father at the age of 43 in 2022, which left his mental health in a "bad way".
He told The Sun: "When my dad died, I was quite depressed. I was in a bad way. I kind of turned to drink, drugs. I was a bit suicidal."
He added: "I went off the rails for about six months. I liked beer and a bit of coke. But I realised it wasn’t good for me and I got myself out of that hole."
When questioned about the financial extent of his cocaine habit, Mr McCartney disclosed: "I could have been doing like £400 a week — £500 a week. I’m a lot better off now."
The contestant, who works in Limehouse, east London, admitted to messaging cocaine dealers using his company’s work phone, both before and after his appearance on the show.
He clarified that he completely ceased using cocaine months after filming concluded, prioritising his business ventures.
Reflecting on his time on the programme, he stated: "The Apprentice was an amazing experience — mentally very stressful. But I’m in a good place now.
“It didn’t even cross my mind once. I would have loved a beer, absolutely. It was summertime. It was hot. But drugs? No. Definitely not. I had about 200 cigarettes on me when I went into the house. That was it."
The winner of the current series of The Apprentice stands to receive a £250,000 investment in their company and the opportunity to partner with Lord Sugar.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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