TV’s Robson: My secret battle with alcohol and drugs
ACTOR Robson Green has revealed he faced drink and drugs problems during his Solider Soldier success.
The Grantchester star, 56, said he ended up in a “very dark place” and eventually turned to therapy as he struggled with the pressures of stardom.
Robson insisted he has never spoken about the problems before, which happened as millions watched him in ITV hit drama Soldier Soldier in the 1990s.
He said: “I was just 26 when real fame came knocking at my door with Soldier Soldier, watched by 21 million people.
“I was enjoying fame. I was enjoying recognition. I was enjoying all the approval. I was enjoying the awards. I was enjoying the parties. I was enjoying the drinking and I was enjoying everything else that went with fame.
“But – and I wish this was a more original story – my relationships were a car crash.
“And I was losing touch with what really mattered in life. I started having real problems with fame and alcohol and drugs. So I went to see a therapist.”
Robson revealed that his love of fishing saved him and proved a “turning point” in conquering his issues. The actor will talk about his “problems with alcohol and drugs” on Robson And Jim’s Icelandic Fly Fishing Adventure on Monday on ITV. He will be joined by close friend and fellow actor Jim Murray. Robson added: “Getting back into fishing was a turning point for me. It has been and still is my road to Damascus. I needed something in life that made sense and, for me, fishing makes sense. Early on in my acting career I was reckless. But I’ve learnt so much from fishing and have an inner peace now that had been missing.”
●●Robson And Jim’s Icelandic Fly Fishing Adventure, July 19 at 10.45pm on ITV.