Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD And Me | Preview (Channel 4)

Comedian, actor and artist Johnny Vegas is to embark on his most personal project in an artistic love letter to his hometown. Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me, a 2 x60 mins series made by Rumpus Media, will see one of Britain’s best loved entertainers and trained potters take on the biggest artistic challenge of his career: to create a piece of public art for St. Helens in Merseyside. 

What starts as a creative endeavour turns into a journey of self-discovery when Johnny receives a diagnosis of ADHD. Though the original artistic vision falters, the documentary uncovers a silver lining—an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself.

Johnny Vegas says:  “I used to sit at a potter's wheel on stage. People thought it was a gimmick but I actually started out as a dedicated wannabe ceramicist. Art was my educational saviour. Over years of witnessing what felt like an ongoing decline in educational commitment to the very same arts I felt it was time I threw my hat back into the ring. To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual a symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.”

Adeel Amini, Head of Entertainment at Rumpus Media says: “Johnny Vegas is already well-known and revered as an actor and comedian, but now we’re thrilled to bring you his journey back to his first love: being an artist...

"In this unique two-part series, Johnny tackles art and creativity with his trademark wit and humour, as well as a great deal of honesty and emotion, showing us a brand new side to one of Britain’s best-loved figures.”

Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4 says: “This series brings to life the power of art for everyone – how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire. Beautifully filmed over several years by Eddie Stafford, the series showcases Johnny’s unique humour, heart and passion – uncovering the intricacies and demands of artistic process along the way. It’s an enlightening, eye-opening and emotional journey.”    

 Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me begins Wednesday 6th August at 9pm on Channel 4.