James Arthur is fronting a new BBC documentary about mental health, as he opens up about his own battles.
The singer - who won the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012 - is set to discuss male mental health and the use of anti-depressants in a brand new documentary for BBC Three later this year.
James said it would be "humbling" to speak about his own battle with mental health and the issues with anti-depressant use as he prepares to head out for another tour across the country.
"It's been such a special thing to make, this documentary," he began as he shared the importance of the documentary for himself and the wider public, "Obviously the subject matter is extremely heavy, so it's been really difficult to hear from blokes who have had the courage to offer up their stories for the film knowing how important it is to be a part of something like this.
"It's a topic that undoubtedly needs more discussion; male mental health, and our reliance as a nation on anti-depressants & anti-anxiety medication. I've been there myself, so it's so humbling to be a part of something that is going to shed some light on it."
Fiona Campbell, Controller for BBC Three, added: "We are grateful to James for putting his trust in us to share his story.
"Despite some of the themes the film will explore, we hope it will be full of optimism and shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel for people with similar experiences."
James - whose documentary will be 60 minutes and has been given a working title of James Arthur: Out of Our Minds - has been open about his own battle with mental health.
"I don't think I made it clear where I was mentally when I appeared on X Factor. There was so much pressure and a lot of judging. But I wanted to take a chance on the show because I wanted to make something of myself. X Factor seemed like the way out," he said.
Speaking back in 2016, he added: "I've suffered with depression and I'm an anxious character. Even before the X Factor I was self-medicating quite a bit to just to get myself through the day.
"When I was on the show, everything happened so quickly and I just wasn't prepared for the level of attention and scurrility that came with it. I mean, days before I auditioned, I was living in a bedsit with everyone thinking I was a down and out."
*If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
