Apprentice Candidate Details Cocaine Addiction and Mental Health Crisis
Kieran McCartney, a contestant on the current series of The Apprentice, has bravely shared his harrowing mental health struggles, revealing that he was spending an astonishing £500 per week on cocaine and experienced suicidal thoughts following his father's tragic death. The 26-year-old entrepreneur, who remains in the running for Lord Alan Sugar's business partnership, disclosed these deeply personal details in a candid new interview with The Sun, shedding light on the dark period that engulfed him after his dad passed away in 2022 at the age of 43.
A Descent into Addiction After Personal Loss
McCartney described how his father's death plunged him into a severe depression, leading him to turn to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism. 'When my dad died, I was quite depressed. I was in a bad way. I kind of turned to drink, drugs. I was a bit suicidal,' he confessed to the publication. This downward spiral lasted for approximately six months, during which he regularly purchased cocaine, accumulating a weekly expenditure of £500 on the substance. Despite this intense addiction, McCartney emphasized that he abstained from drug use while filming The Apprentice, a BBC programme that began airing in January this year.
Navigating Stress and Recovery on National Television
The estate agent, who runs McCartney & Partners Estate Agents in London and Essex, acknowledged the immense mental stress of participating in The Apprentice, where he won the first task as project manager. He revealed that he would contact cocaine dealers from his company's work phone before and after the competition, but maintained that drugs were not a temptation during filming. 'The Apprentice was an amazing experience — mentally very stressful. But I'm in a good place now. It didn't even cross my mind once,' he stated, noting that he only indulged in cigarettes and the occasional desire for a beer during the show.
A Message of Hope and Ongoing Support
Following the interview's publication, McCartney took to his Instagram Story to express gratitude for the supportive messages and reinforce his improved mental state. 'I'm glad you all get to see my side of the story, I think that's the main thing. I'm in a better place now,' he said, encouraging others to enjoy life. His story highlights the critical importance of mental health awareness and addiction support, with resources like Frank, the NHS, Adfam, and DrugFam available for confidential advice and assistance. The Apprentice continues to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, showcasing McCartney's journey among the final 10 candidates.
