John Whaite struggled with suicidal thoughts after his 'The Great British Bake Off' win.
John Whaite
The 33-year-old star is set to return to the spotlight, after recently being confirmed for the upcoming series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', and he has opened up about his struggles, after he quit law school as he battled through pneumonia following his 2012 win.
He admitted: "I kind of felt like I’d failed. And I felt suicidal. I really really did think I was going to end it."
John decided to "escape" when he was struggling with his thoughts and headed off to live on a Canadian farm with his partner Paul, in what he described as "privileged, entitled escapism".
He added: "They were really strict, it was get up at 6.30, make breakfast, have coffee together, out by 7am, have the animals fed and it really was the most grounding experience because it was … I’m not going to lie, it was privileged escapism. There are so many people in this country and in the world who would go through the same mental health issues that I’ve been through and wouldn’t be able to afford to take the time to do that or leave their kids. So I must acknowledge it was privileged, entitled escapism."
John can't wait to take to the 'Strictly' dance floor but he admits he is "very nervous".
He shared: "I'm so excited and very, very nervous, I'm not gonna lie. I'm actually shaking inside. It is an honour, when they [Strictly bosses] asked me if I would be interested I just bit their hand off."
John will make history as the first male contestant to be partnered with a male professional dancer, following boxer Nicola Adams and Katya Jones' partnership last year.