Richard Blackwood: The moment he lost it all and tried to throw himself out of a window
The former millionaire, who makes his debut in EastEnders this evening, describes his struggle with depression following bankruptcy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Richard Blackwood’s debut as part of EastEnders' live 30th anniversary show this evening might seem like a career side-step for a one-time millionaire media star and the brother of supermodel Naomi Campbell.
But his appearance actually marks an impressive comeback for the comic, whose spiralling depression led him to consider suicide after he filed for bankruptcy in 2003.
“When I was made bankrupt it was hard because I was one of the first young guys from the MTV era to be deemed to have it all and then to lose it all,” he tells The Sun.
“I was depressed, I was suicidal. It was very real for me back then.”
He went on to describe the “hangers-on” he had at the peak of his career, the pay cheques he thought would “never end” and his obscenely fast life-style.
“It was a rollercoaster that had to hit a wall at some point because it was too much for any young guy — too much too soon.”
Blackwood’s situation became so desperate, he said, he attempted suicide by throwing himself out of a window. He was saved by the efforts of his ex-girlfriend, Samia Stokes.
“If it wasn’t for her being there for me at the time I don’t think I would have been here, especially at that moment.”
He got a tattoo of an angel on his chest to remind him of the moment he survived the ordeal.
“When I went through the suicide I believe that an angel was there protecting me, so I got it after that.”
Blackwood’s “life-changing” EastEnders character will be revealed for the first time on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments