Fitness guru Joe Wicks is known for helping to get the nation into shape physically and now he's shining a light on mental health. Joe, known as the Body Coach, has opened up about his tough childhood during an appearance onThe One Show.
The 36-year-old, who has a built a huge following online with his fitness accounts on YouTube and Instagram, appeared on the BBC chat show to talk about his emotional new documentary which tells the story of his 'chaotic upbringing.' Joe told hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas about coming through his parents' struggles with their mental health and said that he wants to inspire others to do the same.
During lockdown, while Joe held PE With Joe to help children stay active, people also started reaching out to him as they struggled with their mental health, and he uncovered his own story. He explained: "Dad had drug addiction from a young age and was in and out of rehab when I was a kid.
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"Mum had severe OCD. Obsessive cleaning two or three times a day, cupboards pulled out, and that was normal to me," he said. "And she also had an eating disorder. It was a very chaotic, manic upbringing and I've come through that."
Joe said he was 'in bits' filming Joe Wicks: Facing My Childhood screened on BBC One on Monday. "It was without doubt the most mentally challening and also emotionally draining thing," he said.
"I was filming conversations with my mum on camera and my dad that I'd never had before. Learning things like when I was 10-years- old my mum went into rehab for five months and I blocked that memory out."
But Joe, who in March announced he and his wife Rosie are expecting their third child, says making the documentary was 'like therapy.' "I get on really well with my mum and dad now," he said. "But it was a tough home life and I think that will give something for people to focus on."
Joe was flooded with messages of congratulations when he announced their happy baby news. He shared a photo of himself and Rosie smiling as they showed their baby scan photos. "I’ve been sooo excited to share this news We are having another baby Indie and Marley are super excited about having a little brother or sister," he wrote.
"We can’t wait to welcome them into the world in September. Love you Rosie. Thank you for making me the happiest dad in the world." Their daughter Indie was born in July 2018 and they welcomed son Marley in December 2019.
