Matt Willis has left his fans in tears after he was seen in his own documentary. The Busted singer opened up about his struggles with addiction over the years in Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction which aired on BBC One on Wednesday night (May 17).
It saw Matt looks back at some of his "darkest days" as he explored what could be behind his, and other people's, addictions. The film also featured his TV presenter wife, Emma, who openly shared what it was like for her during her early relationship with the musician and when he relapsed following Busted's reunion in 2016.
Emma and Matt met in 2004 when he was rising to fame in the pop-punk band and she was presenting on MTV. The pair were dating a year later and soon began presenting together on MTV and went on to co-host I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp, the Brit Awards for ITV2 in 2008 and the Baftas for E! Network.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
After spending three years in and out of rehab during the start of their relationship, Matt found sobriety in 2008. But when Busted later reformed, Matt suffered a relapse. And it was the most difficult relapse for Emma, with Matt sharing: "That last relapse was really hard for her, because we had three kids. I'd been eight years sober – we'd thought that it was behind us."
And in the documentary, Emma shared how difficult her 'worry' Matt relapsing can be. In tears, Emma admitted she and Matt rarely talked about his issues before filming the BBC One documentary. She said: "You live in it so much when it happens that once you’re through it, it’s such a [bleeping] relief that you don’t want to go back and talk about it."
She added: "Living with someone with addiction is unpredictable and anxiety-inducing. I try not to think too much about the past. But then I have to remind myself that he’s relapsed massively when I thought he was all good."
After watching the emotional and personal documentary unfold, fans rushed to social media to heap praise on Matt for his bravery on speaking out. while also praising Emma for her support for Matt at the clear love they displayed for each other. @trademarc73 tweeted: "@mattjwillis so much respect to you, buddy. Literally in tears watching your story. Seen so many struggle. You're story will really help people. #FightingAddiction."
@lainey02wilson said: "Cried with matt and emma .wishing them both all the love . What a powerful documentary. Both are so brave #FightingAddiction." @BeddoesJill shared: "What an emotional watch this is. Admire Matt Willis for being so honest. Addiction is awful. I wish him so much love & strength. My admiration for Emma is through the roof. She is awesome. #FightingAddiction." @woosieowens7 added: "Respect to emma and matt willis. #FightingAddiction that must have been so very difficult for them,but they were incredible."
Ahead of the documentary airing, Emma took to Instagram and shared a lengthy message to her followers and also to her husband of 17 years. "For the last 6 months Matt has been working on a documentary, which is airing on BBC1 tonight," the former Big Brother host wrote. "It started out as a deep dive into the science around addiction and along the way became entwined with Matt’s own personal experience. It looks at addiction, but also at the affect it has on loved ones, on families. It looks at the way it affected us.
"Matt and I have always tried to keep ourselves as private as we can whilst working in a very public industry. So, as you can probably imagine, we’re incredibly nervous about this film going out into the world. Personally, it was tough to relive that period in our lives but it was also incredibly cathartic to talk through those dark days. As humans we’re all imperfect, and we shouldn’t feel like we have to hide certain parts of ourselves to be loved. Ultimately it was our love and hard graft that have got us to where we are now."
She went on to say: "Matt amazes me everyday with his resilience, strength and determination. He is everything to everyone around him and it astounds me that he cannot see what we all see in him. In making this documentary he hopes that by understanding himself he can help others struggling do the same. He hopes he encourages people to reach out and talk about addiction more, that he can change the way help is offered.
"In the doc he shares a piece from his gratitude journal and reads three sentences he always includes: ‘I am not my thoughts. I am worthy of love. I am enough.’ Matt, you’re more than enough and we love you."
READ NEXT:
- Christine McGuinness compared to Pamela Anderson in red swimsuit as she says it 'feels like a dream'
- Rylan shows dating attempts on Hinge as fans say it's 'pure filth' and prompts Helen Skelton response
- Coronation Street's Samia Longchambon makes serious 'fashion statement' as she poses with rarely-seen son after 'procedure'
- Gogglebox slapped with complaints as star slammed for 'vile' comment
- Strictly's Rose Ayling-Ellis supported by Giovanni Pernice as she's forced to be 'silent' about new ITV role
