Freddy Brazier has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and mental health, revealing he was sectioned during a turbulent period in his life.
The 20-year-old son of presenter Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody shared his experiences while promoting his upcoming Load Of Old Cobblers podcast, which launches on 1 September.
Freddy described the series as a chance to speak “very openly and honestly” about his past, adding: “this could be quite exposing. I hope to help people.”
In a preview clip from the first episode, the aspiring model reflected on what he called a “tough journey,” admitting he began smoking at just 12 years old.
“I first started smoking at 12 years old and that was in Bishop’s Stortford,” he recalled.
Freddy also said his maternal grandmother Jackiey Budden had played a role in his early introduction to cannabis.
“No, it wasn’t with my nan,” he clarified. “Although my nan is the person who not only introduced me to weed but got me hooked.”
Speaking about the wider impact on his life, he continued: “I’ve been smoking since I was 12. I’ve been to rehab, I’ve been sectioned, I’ve had manic episodes, been in cells. There’s been a real journey and it’s been a tough one.”
Freddy went on to discuss his family relationships, explaining that he once prioritised being with his grandmother out of concern for her wellbeing, even if it meant pulling away from his father.
“I feel like if I didn’t prioritise the relationship with my mum’s mum Jackiey and I didn’t feel like I had to be around for her because I was scared that if I wasn’t, she’d kill herself,” he claimed.
“And I had that in my head for so long to the point where I pushed my dad away and stayed there [his grandmother Jackiey’s home], at my nan’s for months. Go on mad ones and just...”
The father–son relationship between Jeff and Freddy has been tested over the past year, though the pair now appear to be on stronger terms.
Recently, Freddy posted a heartfelt tribute to his father after attending his stage debut in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical.
Earlier this year, Freddy moved in with his grandmother, sparking concern from Jeff after he shared a TikTok video of himself smoking at her flat in Bermondsey.
In June, Freddy revealed he planned to attend rehab in Spain to address his smoking addiction, admitting: “I’ve been smoking from the age of 12 and it’s time to stop.
“It was a bad coping mechanism that turned into an addiction – something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and somewhat OK.
He said he now hopes to repair family relationships and move forward in a healthier way.
“I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father,” he added.
Last year, during BBC show Celebrity Race Across The World, Freddy spoke openly about how he struggled with mental health issues, and his relationship with his father who raised him by himself since losing his mum in 2009.
He said: “At times where I’ve pushed him away, he has pulled even harder to pull me back in. I don’t think I praise my dad enough for everything he has done for me but he knows the love.”
If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this article, Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
