Celeb SAS star John Barrowman reveals he ‘planned own suicide’ after being ‘cancelled’ and sacked from Dancing On Ice
JOHN Barrowman – the cheeky chap face of reality TV – has heartbreakingly told how he “planned his own suicide” after being sacked from Dancing On Ice.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star – who scooped the Christmas show Glitterball in 2010 – has given a candid account of his state of mind after being the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct.
In May 2021, it was confirmed that John, 57, had been removed from a Doctor Who show after he was accused of exposing himself on the BBC drama’s sets.
Glasgow-born John promptly apologised for his antics – which were described as “high- spirited behaviour, larking about and tomfoolery.”
Witnesses described the flashing as inappropriate pranks, not sexually predatory behaviour, yet he was sacked from Dancing On Ice following the rumours in October 2021 and promptly “cancelled.”
He had only joined the show in 2019, to replace judge Jason Gardiner.
John has now told how losing his job had a hard-hitting impact on his mental health and bravely said: “I had thoughts of suicide, going out and trying to do certain things and harm myself, and a couple of times debating how I was going to kill myself.
“The thing was I couldn’t do it because of my family and friends.”
John married husband Scott Gill in Palm Springs in 2013.
Talking of the troubling situation he added to MirrorOnline: “I lost a lot of trust in other people after what I went through because people that I thought would’ve been there for me, ran.
“And a lot of them put themselves on the moral high ground and, to be honest with you, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
Talking of the lack of backing from those around him, he then said: “I’ve always been there for people. No matter if you come to me and I might not have seen you in five to 10 years and you need help with something, I’m there to help you.
“And that was the big realisation: a lot of people don’t give a s**t.”
John, who came seventh in the first ever Dancing On Ice series at the time said his remarks were “only ever intended in good humour” and never meant to be sexual in nature.
At the time, he noted: “With the benefit of hindsight, I understand that upset may have been caused by my exuberant behaviour and I have apologised for this previously.
Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins winners
Many celebrities have attempted the infamous Channel 4 quasi military training course - but only a select few have successfully passed.
Series 1 (2019) – Wayne Bridge
Series 2 (2020) – Locksmith and Lauren Steadman
Series 3 (2021) – Alexandra Burke, Aled Davies and Wes Nelson
Series 4 (2022) – AJ Pritchard, Calum Best, Ferne McCann and Maisie Smith
Series 5 (2023) – Gareth Gates
“Since my apology in November 2008, my understanding and behaviour have also changed.”
He also hit the headlines after we reported how he walked out on Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins during the first episode in July.
The Desperate Housewives alumini had started filming in New Zealand with a raft of other famous faces including Rachel Johnson, Bianca Gascoigne and Anthony Ogogo when he threw in the towel.
We then told how John had scooped a new job after quitting telly’s tough reality series.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
He is now set to appear on stage in a brand new musical stage play at locations across the UK.
John will be starring in selected dates of the upcoming UK tour of Dreamcoat Stars.
The show features artists who have previously played the role of Joseph in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
He will appear as a guest star at three of the show’s dates later this year.
It’s thought that John will perform a number of songs from the hit musical as well as share stories from his time in the show.
The actor and singer will also take part in meet and greets and selfie sessions with fans prior to each show.