Rob Beckett has candidly shared his past battles with suicidal thoughts.
The 38-year-old stand up comedian is well known for appearing on major TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats and for providing the hilarious voice over commentary on E4's chaotic reality show Celebs Go Dating. But behind the laughs is a damaged heart that has battled dark thoughts.
Rob, who has been married to wife Louise Watts since 2015 and shares two children with her, has revealed that he has considered ending his own life in the past. He explained that he appreciates that from the outside, it looked like he was enjoying all the spoils of a hugely successful career.
But beneath the polished exterior, he was battling inner demons. The star also explained that he thinks other comedians also fight with dark impulses and the public have no idea because their job is to make others laugh.
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Instagram/robbeckettcomic)Image:
Getty Images)Opening up to The Guardian, the Taskmaster star said: “I had all the markers of a successful person. But I was having suicidal thoughts... It was a toxic fuel. Effective, like chucking petrol on a bonfire, but unsustainable.”
Rob went on to explain that his agent insisted he seek out therapy - where he discovered he was living with: “What was basically a low-level anxiety disorder, poverty mindset and impostor syndrome”. He added: “All comedians are broken [in some way, because]... there’s got to be something wrong that drives us to achieve”.
Rob has previously discussed his private life passionately, explaining that he dated his wife Louise for a decade before marriage, after having met in their early twenties. He once told the Daily Mail : "[We] met in our early twenties. She became a history teacher and paid all the bills for three years when I was earning no money as a comedian". The star has also previously spoken about being away from his wife and family whilst filming shows and touring. He suggested in 2021 that his approach has changed since lockdown.
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He told the Guardian at the time: "Before lockdown, I was working all day on TV shows and doing tour shows in the evening. [...] I was never home and Lou had to do everything." He went on to say it "wasn't good" for either of them and added that he felt he'd been "providing for [his] kids". He added: "It can't just be a monetary support thing [though]".
Discussing his family life another time, he told the same publication that, since he worked a lot, his family life used to be "dominated by grand gestures" when he wasn't working, such as going on holiday. He said: "I've realised that the kids enjoy it just as much if you're hanging around with them and placing more emphasis on being there, rather than working hard to save money for a big Disney thing. They don't care, and just being with them is way more enjoyable for everyone. I'm going to try to work less and have fewer things. [...] I've realised that it's more productive to work less and be there more. It's a learning curve."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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