Freddy Brazier has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles, revealing he once tried to “end it all” during a manic episode a few years ago.
The 21-year-old, who is the son of presenter Jeff Brazier and late reality TV star Jade Goody, shared a montage of photos and videos on TikTok and Instagram over the weekend, charting what he described as “episode after episode” of instability that culminated in him spending his 18th birthday in a psychiatric ward.
In the video, a generated voiceover states: “Two and a half years ago, after crashing a car in a manic episode in an attempt to end it all,” while on-screen captions detail how he struggled with disordered eating and heavy marijuana use.
Brazier also referenced family tensions, including a breakdown in trust with his maternal grandmother Jackiey Budden, and described being “sectioned” in 2023.
The post comes a month after Brazier revealed he had been sofa-surfing and “homeless” while preparing to become a father for the first time with girlfriend Holly Swinburn. The news is understood to have helped rebuild his relationship with his father after a highly publicised rift earlier this year.
Sources previously told The Mail on Sunday that the pregnancy “blindsided” Brazier but ultimately brought the pair closer. The Sun reported that Jeff was among the first people his son confided in, with the presenter “stepping up straight away”.
The pair had fallen out after Jeff took legal action to restrict Freddy’s contact with Budden, with whom he had been living. Brazier later announced he was entering rehab for what he described as a long-standing addiction to smoking cannabis.
Since reconciling, Jeff has publicly expressed support for his son, sharing a photo of them curled up on a sofa alongside a light-hearted caption about navigating the “unconventional path” of early adulthood. Friends and family are also said to be rallying around the father-to-be.
Freddy and Holly, who initially split earlier this year, appeared together at the Pride of Britain Awards in October, where Brazier posed with his hand resting on her baby bump. Their child is due in April and will be the first grandchild of Big Brother star Goody, who died in 2009 when Freddy was five.
Speaking to The Sun at the time, Brazier said he was “really excited” about becoming a father and hinted he might name the baby Jade if it’s a girl. “I want the baby to love its life,” he said.
:If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
