A quickie with ....

JOE WICKS

WHY DID YOU WANT TO DO A DOCUMENTARY?

It came about after I did Desert Island Discs. It was the first time I’d really opened up about my childhood, and my journey to get to where I am. So, I thought by making this and sharing my story, I could try to help other families going through similar situations.

HOW DID LOUIS THEROUX GET INVOLVED?

Well, I’ve been watching Louis for years and never miss his documentaries. He spoke about doing my workouts during lockdown and I thanked him for taking part. He then listened to my Desert Island Discs and said if I ever had any ideas for a documentary, we should chat. I knew I trusted Louis and he cared about me and wanted to share my message.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM MAKING THIS?

It highlighted that it isn’t just the parents who are suffering [when they have mental ill health]. We know children overhear things, they sense everything, but they are often shielded from it by not being told the truth. Kids should be given the chance to understand their parents’ issues. They can communicate more effectively and can understand that it’s not their fault, and they are not to blame. That could’ve really helped me as a kid.