Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has candidly shared insights into a new health diagnosis he recently received, following his remarkable journey to sobriety and major weight loss. Once known for his heavy drinking—consuming “pints of Negroni” and lager even in the shower—Kerridge battled addiction while weighing nearly 30 stone. His demanding career in the restaurant industry led him to use alcohol as an “escape” from the intense pressures in the kitchen.
Over five years, Kerridge transformed his life by conquering alcohol dependence and losing an astonishing 12 stone. In a recent interview, he disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition he now embraces as a “superpower.” Kerridge explained that ADHD helps him manage multiple tasks simultaneously and fuels his relentless energy, telling The Times’ Andrew Billen, “I work on many different levels, constantly, all the time.”
When asked about possible links between his ADHD and previous drinking habits, Kerridge acknowledged the connection, saying, “I loved the chaos of drinking but you’re kind of right. Alcohol addiction comes from an incredibly selfish place. It’s the one space where you escape into your own world. There isn’t anything else that’s happening. You’re the only person who knows how you feel at that exact moment.”
READ MORE: M5 Delays After Crash Near Gloucester – Live Updates
READ MORE: Susan Boyle’s Stunning Transformation Sparks Buzz as Fans Say She’s “Aged Backwards”
ADHD, according to the NHS, is a condition where the brain functions differently, usually characterized by challenges with concentration, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Common signs include distractibility, difficulties managing time and following directions, restlessness, excessive talking, and impulsive decision-making.
Kerridge has openly detailed his alcohol consumption during his peak drinking days. On the Comfort Eating podcast with Grace Dent, he revealed that he could start a night with “two pints of Negroni” and often drank as many as 20 pints of lager alongside spirits like gin. Reflecting on his lifestyle change during an appearance on The Andy Jaye Podcast in 2021, he described the shift as “massive,” noting that he stopped drinking and “stopped trying to be a massive idiot.”
Today, Kerridge uses his ADHD diagnosis as a positive force, channeling his energy and focus toward his culinary career and personal wellbeing.