Jay Blades, 53, has spoken candidly about his mental health in a revealing interview with former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, 34, on his podcast Big Fish with Spencer Matthews.
The Repair Shop discussed the special item that, when he carries it around in public, signifies to his wife that he’s struggling.
Jay, who has been married once before, tied the knot with his current wife Lisa Zbozen back in November in a Barbados ceremony.
Opening up about his vulnerable side, Jay spoke about his beloved teddy bear, and why it lets his wife know he’s feeling nervous.
“I’ve even got a teddy bear,” the star admitted. “If you ever see me walking with a teddy bear, you will know, Jay doesn’t feel very comfortable.
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Speaking about Jay’s period of suicidal thoughts and depression, Spencer asked the star if he had ever received any professional help.
“I had three counsellors,” Jay confirmed. “I had a physical counsellor that I would see.
“Then I had two that I would speak to over the phone. I had a lot of support, and then I had family members – the one thing that really worked for me.
“I mean, unbelievably, and if I knew this, when I was a teenager, I think I might be running the country.
“I’m confident I am. But basically, it’s a case of my vulnerability – when I showed my vulnerability, wow, I just flew…
“I’ve just got rid of that macho male, ‘Oh, I’m tough as nails, I can handle this’. I can’t handle it, and if I can’t, I’m going to tell someone, ‘Look, I feel a bit rubbish’.”
Listen to the full interview on the Big Fish with Spencer Matthews podcast on Global Player now.