Lily Allen has announced she is stepping away from her BBC podcast Miss Me? for several weeks, citing poor mental health and a 'tough period'. In a newly released episode, the singer and actor told listeners: 'You’re not going to hear me for a few weeks.'
Discussing awards ceremonies with co-host Miquita Oliver, Allen said: 'I’m finding it hard to be interested in anything. I’m really not in a good place. I know I’ve been talking about it for months, but I’ve been spiralling and spiralling and spiralling, and it’s got out of control.' She added that she had suffered panic attacks, forcing her to leave social engagements early.
Allen addressed speculation about her absence, saying: 'There will be speculation, because of the amount of time that I’m going to be taking away, that I’m going to drug rehab, and I’m not. I’ve not relapsed.' She complained of 'horrible blind items on the internet … vicious rumours' suggesting drug use. Allen has been sober for five years, after previously struggling with addiction to prescription drug Adderall in 2014 and alcohol and class A drugs.
Allen has long faced intense scrutiny, and recent tabloid reports have alleged difficulties in her marriage to actor David Harbour, though neither has commented publicly. She spoke candidly about her children with ex-husband Sam Cooper, saying: 'When things in life are going well … it’s really nice to have the kids around … But when things are not going so well and life is tough … having to hold things together is really hard.' Oliver will continue the podcast in Allen’s absence.
