John Sharpson, better known as Muinteoir John, is no stranger to the screen.
The actor and presenter is currently partaking in RTE's Hell Week that will air its second episode of the series tonight.
John is joined by contestants such as rugby player Peter Stringer, comedian Rory O’Connor, Fair City star Ryan Andrews, footballer Stephanie Roach and swimmer Melanie Nocher.
The teacher has previously opened up about his mental health struggles as he wrote for the Irish Examiner: “My biggest challenge has been coping with a mental health issue.”
He said after he was made permanent at Mary Mother of Hope in Clonee, he felt “deflated like, is this it until I’m 65 and can retire?” and following severe panic attacks, he decided to take a career break.
To mark World Mental Health Day last week, John took to his Instagram to remind his followers "mental health doesn't define who you are".
He said: “Some pictures I came across from about 10 years ago....
“Picture 1. Good ol' Sharpy, the lovable rascal having the craic addressing the crowd at an event! What you don't see is that at this exact moment I was having the worst panic attack I can remember ever having and I'd spent the morning crying.
“But what do we do when we're in this situation? Well, I did what I normally did back then. I smiled and pretended it was aaaall ok!
“Picture 2: This picture (which wasn't even of me! ) shows how I actually felt that day. I was pale, hard dark eyes from lack of sleep, I'd lost weight.
“In short lads, I was absolutely feckin miserable! It was only when I saw picture 2 later that I decided enough was enough and I went to get help.
“I told loved ones, went to my GP and started going to therapy. BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE!
“Don't really know what the moral of the story is, spose I just wanted anyone who needs to see it to know that mental health doesn't define who you are, it does get better, and it's not there forever.
“As Blindboy says "If you break your arm, you don't suffer with 'broken arm' for the rest of your life".
“So this #worldmentalhealthday check on your mates, talk, look after eachother and I promise ya, it does get better!”
The teacher went on to present RTEjr’s Bright Sparks, The Today Show with Daithi and Maura, pop Goes the Weekend and Twigin.
John became even more popular over the lockdown as he took up a role as Muinteoir John on RTE2’s Home School Hub.
The TV presenter met his partner Eadaoin Fitzmaurice while they were presenting YouTube videos together and the pair have been going strong ever since.
Announcing that he would be joining the recruits on Hell Week, John said: "Well lads the cat is finally out of the bag!
“Ultimate Hell Week with @motivetelevision is coming soon! This was by FAR the most gruelling, mentally challenging, insanely difficult thing I've ever signed up for.
“’Hell Week’ is no exaggeration! Having said that I met the most wonderful amazing people ever. Absolute warriors every single one of them!”
