In a raw and emotional revelation that has stunned fans, beloved comedian Joe Wilkinson has confessed to the secret health battle that nearly forced him to abandon his role in the highly anticipated Celebrity Traitors series.
The Struggle Behind the Smiles
The popular comic, known for his deadpan humour and appearances on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats, found himself fighting a private war against anxiety and panic attacks during filming. "I was in a bad way," Wilkinson admitted, his usual comic bravado replaced by vulnerable honesty.
"I was getting panic attacks and anxiety," he revealed, describing how the pressure of the game combined with personal health concerns created a perfect storm of distress that threatened to overwhelm him.
A Heartbreaking Family Crisis
The situation became even more dire when Wilkinson received devastating news about his mother's health back home. "My mum was rushed into hospital and I genuinely thought she was going to die," he shared, the memory still clearly painful.
This family emergency created an impossible dilemma for the comedian - should he abandon the game to be with his mother, or honour his commitment to the show?
The Producers' Intervention
Thankfully, the Traitors production team proved to be unexpectedly compassionate. Wilkinson was granted special permission to call his mother from the isolated Scottish castle where filming takes place.
"They let me ring her from the castle, which they never do," he explained, acknowledging this rare exception to the show's strict no-contact rules. This gesture of humanity provided a lifeline during his darkest moments.
Finding Strength to Continue
Despite seriously considering quitting, Wilkinson found the resilience to see the competition through. His journey on Celebrity Traitors becomes not just another reality TV appearance, but a testament to personal courage under extraordinary pressure.
The upcoming series, featuring other celebrities including John Bercow and Chloe Burrows, promises to deliver the same high-stakes drama that made the original Traitors a phenomenon, but with added emotional depth thanks to Wilkinson's revelations.
Wilkinson's candid confession sheds light on the very real human struggles that often remain hidden behind the glittering facade of celebrity entertainment, reminding viewers that even their favourite stars face personal battles away from the cameras.
