Heston Blumenthal broke down in tears as he spoke about the toll his undiagnosed bipolar disorder took on his family during an emotional conversation with his son Jack.
The 59-year-old chef, best known for his experimental cooking and TV shows Heston’s Fantastical Food and Heston’s Feasts, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in November 2023.
His new BBC documentary Heston: My Life With Bipolar, airing Thursday, explores how the condition affected both his personal life and mental health.
Blumenthal recalled suffering hallucinations, manic episodes, and suicidal thoughts before being sectioned — a decision made by his wife, French entrepreneur Melanie Ceysson, whom he credits with saving his life.
After speaking with mental health professionals and individuals living with bipolar disorder in the doc, Blumenthal visited his eldest son, Jack, who now runs the acclaimed Ginger Wings restaurant in Marlow.
In an emotional and candid exchange, Jack opened up about the challenges of growing up with a father whose undiagnosed condition made everyday communication feel near impossible.
He shared: “ We found it difficult as a family… It’s nice now to have… not a label on it, but something we can refer back to, to say he wasn’t just being a d**k.”
The young chef continued: “We just wanted a relaxing conversation with our dad, and we weren’t allowed. You didn’t want to know anyone’s thoughts, I don’t think you gave a s**t.
“You would just talk over us and say I’m going to do this, that and that, and I’m going to change the world. It would always start quite well for a few minutes, but then I had to walk away from you sometimes.”
“We just wanted a relaxing conversation with our dad, and we weren’t allowed to have one,” Jack shared, to which Heston replied: “Because I just didn’t stop talking…”
He went on to explain how meeting his father required mental preparation weeks in advance: “It was horrible and it was constant.”
Visibly emotional, Blumenthal took his son’s hand and said: “Talking about this, this happened. And I realise it's not me being bipolar, well it is me being bipolar, it's damaging the people I love, the people around me. So I'm sorry.”
Jack responded: “I know, and I don't think you have to say that, because we know you were kind of in a bit of a world of your own at certain points and this conversation needed to be had, didn't it?
“I just want you to know that I love you, I forgive you for everything and I'm really proud to me your son.”
Before sharing a hug, Blumenthal emotionally apologised again and said: “I want to thank you, thank you for this. I want you to know how sincerely sorry I am. I love you, I love you, my children so much and I can see it now.”
The documentary also delves into the broader issue of mental healthcare in the UK, with Blumenthal meeting others living with bipolar disorder.
He said: “There’s still a big stigma, but it’s vital to talk openly. I hope by sharing my experience, people will gain a greater understanding.”
Blumenthal, who holds seven Michelin stars, became an ambassador for Bipolar UK earlier this year.
The charity estimates more than one million adults in Britain are affected by the condition — many without a formal diagnosis. Bipolar is associated with the highest suicide risk of any mental illness.
He shared: “I was living with undiagnosed bipolar for many years, so it’s been an extraordinary journey to get where I am today.
“There is still a big stigma around bipolar, but it is vital to be able to talk openly about the condition.
“I know this isn’t always easy, but I hope by sharing my experience in this documentary people will gain a greater understanding of bipolar and an insight into my life now.”
Heston: My Life With Bipolar is available to watch on BBC and BBC iPlayer from Thursday, June 19 at 8pm
