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Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite has spoken openly about a severe mental health crisis he experienced last year, saying support from his family helped him through one of the darkest periods of his life.
The former Great British Bake Off winner, who competed on Strictly in 2021, shared a deeply personal post with his followers for Suicide Prevention Month.
John, 37, explained that he had reached a point where he did not feel safe on his own and had gone out intending to end his life.
While he was away from home, his husband Paul Atkins called him and urged him to come back.
John said he did.
He later told his sister what had happened, and she stayed involved in helping him through the immediate aftermath.
‘One Call Didn’t Fix Everything’
John reflected on how a single phone call did not suddenly solve everything he was dealing with, but it gave him enough support to get through that moment.
“One call didn’t fix everything but it got me home,” he wrote.
“Telling my sister got me through the next day and I’m grateful I stayed to see it.”
He also described a moment involving his young nephew that later took on a powerful meaning for him.
John said something connected to that difficult day was later turned by his nephew into something playful, and he has never forgotten the contrast between the darkness he had been feeling and the joy his nephew found.
He said the memory has stayed with him ever since.
John Urges Others to Speak Plainly
Addressing his 315,000 followers, John encouraged anyone experiencing similar thoughts not to keep them hidden.
He urged people to tell someone directly if they do not feel safe being alone.
John continued his message in the caption, explaining why he remains determined to speak openly about suicide and mental health.
“I’ll never stop talking openly about suicide,” he wrote.
“Silence can make people feel completely alone, and if sharing my story helps even one person tell someone they’re struggling, then that matters.”
He added: “If you’re thinking about ending your life, please tell someone very plainly. Ask them to stay with you. You deserve help through this moment.”
John also shared UK support numbers, including Samaritans on 116 123 and CALM on 0800 58 58 58, and advised anyone in immediate danger to call 999.
Fans Flood John With Support
John’s post prompted an outpouring of supportive messages from fans and fellow broadcasters.
One follower wrote: “The world absolutely needs you John, keep staying, thank you for sharing your story – it will truly help so many people who don’t know where to turn right now.”
ITV presenter Jayne Sharp also responded warmly.
“Oh John, darling. Thank you for sharing. Sending you so much love, you beautiful human. I’m so happy you’re here,” she wrote.
BBC Radio 1’s Zoe Ball added: “You stayed, John. And you are so loved. Brave and important to share your story. You will help so many more folk. Always love.”
Another supporter praised John for being willing to talk about something many people struggle to put into words.
“This is why your voice matters,” they wrote.
“Not because you have the answers but because you are willing to speak openly and honestly about something so many cannot put into words.”
John’s Strictly Journey
John became a household name after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2012.
He later competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, where he was partnered with Johannes Radebe.
Their partnership became one of the most memorable of that series, with the pair reaching the final.
Years later, John continues to use his public platform to speak candidly about difficult personal experiences.
His latest post focused not on presenting recovery as simple, but on the importance of speaking up, reaching out and allowing other people to stay close during moments when someone may not feel safe alone.
For John, that support came from his husband and sister.
And as he made clear in his message, he hopes that by telling his own story, somebody else might feel able to tell another person that they are struggling too.
