Rob Beckett starred in BBC’s Celebrity Gladiators. (Image: BBC)
Celebrity Gladiators star Rob Beckett has candidly shared his past struggles despite his soaring career. Rob, 39, tied the knot with his long-term partner Louise Watts in 2015 and they share two daughters.
He is known for voicing E4’s Celebs Go Dating, co-hosting the hit podcast Parenting Hell with comedian Josh Widdicombe, and his popular Sky TV series with Romesh Ranganathan.
Despite his happy family life in South East London and thriving career, has also faced his share of adversity.
In his autobiography, A Class Act, he reflects on a particularly challenging time. He wrote: “On January 4, 2020, I was nailing it
“I had just flown into Cape Town, South Africa, in first class to film a TV show. The show was watching cricket, drinking beer and going on safari with one of my best mates AND getting paid. This filming was squeezed in during a nationwide sell-out tour.”
:
Rob Beckett and his wife Lou married in 2015. (Image: Twitter)
He goes on to describe the contrast between his professional success and personal turmoil: “Happily married to the love of my life, with two kids in a family home newly renovated, I had surpassed my wildest dreams.
“But I was the unhappiest I have ever been. I woke up on January 5 in a five-star hotel room thinking it would be better and easier for everyone if I was dead.”
Rob sought help upon his return to the UK, confiding in his wife and manager before undergoing six months of therapy. He continues to attend refresher sessions to stave off “the darkness”.
In a bid to encourage openness about mental health, Rob shares his experience in his book: “I am telling you this as I always promote the message that people should talk about mental health, but I rarely do. So here I am, talking.
Rob Beckett urged others to speak about their mental health. (Image: Getty)
” I wanted to die when I had everything I ever wanted. So never judge yourself for feeling low. Tell someone and they will help you feel better.”
The comedian revealed that the lockdown period allowed him to heal and consider his path. His podcast soared, and he also secured a role in the Disney blockbuster Cinderella, starring with Camila Cabello and Idina Menzel.
He reflected on the experience: “That would have killed me before I sorted my head out but it was one of the first jobs after the pandemic I took on when I wasn’t being driven by fear – and I loved it.”