They say laughter is the best medicine, but Jason Manford says many performers struggle with their emotions, with conditions like ADHD affecting a “high percentage” of them than the rest of us.
“There’s certainly a lot of mental health issues within the entertainment industry,” says the comic, who has previously spoken of his own anxiety and depression. You’re in a world where every feeling is heightened, every mistake and every good moment. So when do you get the chance to come down?”
Jason is speaking two days after it emerged Friends star Matthew Perry had drowned, aged 54, in the hot tub at his LA home. And he believes believes fans should feel able to “grieve as if you have lost a friend” when a star they love they love dies. Jason, 42, who religiously watched the show in its heyday, says: “Matthew had all the best one-liners and funny reactions… as a young comic watching, you dream of being given a role in a show like that, and he absolutely smashed it.
Jason's TV co-host Alesha Dixon
Jason with wife Lucy (Dave Benett/Getty Images)“He had pathos, he had everything. You’re not in a worldwide, well-loved sitcom for that long if you’re not one of the most talented actors around.” He adds: “There was a point in time where someone on TV, in film or music, were very separate from the real world, but now people feel much closer [to them] than they once were.
“Some people feel a bit silly about being upset when a person they haven’t met has passed away – but people mean different things to us and when they’re a joy bringer like Matthew was, it’s almost doubly hard.” As for his own life, the father-of-six relies on his friends and family to “keep a sense of self” during tough moments.
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“Having kids is so helpful because they don’t care who you are,” he laughs. “I’ve been very lucky that I get to do nice things – and I always remember that it’s a privilege to be able to get up on stage and make people laugh.” That is something the Salford-born star has been doing since 1999 when, as a 17-year-old glass collector at a Chorlton comedy club, he stepped on stage after an act failed to show.
He went on to become one of Britain’s best-loved comedians and was a regular on prime-time panel shows 8 Out of 10 Cats and QI. More recently, he has moved into acting and singing, appearing in West End musicals Sweeney Todd, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls, and The Wizard of Oz.
Jason is the proud father of six childrenHe’s busier than ever and, for the second year running, will host The National Lottery’s Big Bash with singer and TV presenter Alesha Dixon at London’s OVO Wembley Arena on December 6. The free “house party” extravaganza will feature performances from Take That, Busted, Paloma Faith and Jax Jones, with more acts to be announced.
The event also highlights extraordinary people who have changed lives in their communities thanks to the generosity of The National Lottery players, who generate more than £30million a week for UK charities and projects. “It’s a really heartwarming end-of-the-year show,” says Jason.
He will also return to panto for a second time this Christmas, playing Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk, at Manchester’s Opera House. And he’ll be back doing stand-up next year with live tour A Manford All Seasons. Does he still get nervous, about touring I wonder? “This is the nervous part!” he says.
“Not getting on stage – the point where you’re selling tickets for a show you’ve not written yet is the nerve-wracking bit because you want it to be as good as last time.” As part of his preparation, he’s watched other comedians performing in venues he’s booked to appear at, to see which lines got the biggest laughs.
Matthew Perry (NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx)
Jason onstage (PA Wire/PA Photos)It takes him a year to gather material and he’ll start writing serious lines after Christmas. While he’s not sure about cancel culture, he does concede you can end up in hot water for your material. He says: “Comedians have always been criticised: Billy Connolly, Peter Kay and I certainly have.
“Humour is like any taste – some people like a simple cheese sandwich and others like a vindaloo. And that’s the way you always find your audience.” When not on the road, Jason is a dedicated family man. He has twin girls, a daughter and son by first wife Catherine, and two children with second wife Lucy Dyke, who he tied the knot with in December 2017.
They’ve just had a big Halloween do, but he chuckles: “My bigger girls are at parties now and aren’t as interested as the little ones.” While he will next be turning his attention to Christmas and the festive season, he won’t be making New Year’s resolutions. I’m just trying to make sure I stay fit and healthy for my kids and make sure I’m around as long as possible,” he says. “It’s all you can hope to do.” Anyway, he’s “too old” for them. “If I’m not doing something in November then I’m not going to start in January!”
* The National Lottery’s Big Bash is at Ovo Arena Wembley on December 6 – 8,000 free will be available to National Lottery players from 1pm today on a first come, first served basis. Visit bigbash2023.com for details. Tickets for A Manford All Seasons 2024/5 UK tour are available from JasonManford.com
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