Hollyoaks star Joe Tracini talks to Dawn French about his borderline personality disorder which led to suicide in a new Channel 4 documentary, but he manages to use his usual wry humor even when discussing the dark subject matter.
The new show, ‘Joe Tracini: Me and the Voice in My Head’ follows actor Joe, 35, as he talks about his experience with BPD.
In an exclusive look shared with MailOnline, Joe, who played the role of Dennis Savage in the soap, is seen with actress and comedian Dawn, sharing his plans for the documentary while employing his sharp humor for the parody.
Ten years ago, Joe, a former Hollyoaks actor, was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition that around two per cent of the country will live with at some point.
BPD severely affects the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and other people, leading to intense and unstable emotions, chronic insecurity, and intrusive thoughts.
Hollyoaks star Joe Tracini talks to Dawn French about his borderline personality disorder which led to suicide in a new Channel 4 documentary.
The new show, ‘Joe Tracini: Me and the Voice in My Head,’ follows actor Joe, 35, as he talks about his experience with BPD.
In the documentary, Joe introduces the viewer to Mick, the voice inside his head that constantly wants to hurt him.
In the clip, Joe is on a video call with Dawn and tells her: ‘I’ve filmed a documentary for Channel 4. It’s about my personality disorder and the fact that I keep thinking about suicide. But it’s funny!’
Dawn then looks doubtful and asks, “Are you sure?” Joe continues: “I filmed it last year when I really thought I was going to kill myself.
“And when I felt a little better I went back to the place where I had panicked and filmed what the voice in my head was telling me at that moment.”
Dawn then asks how she can help with the project and Joe asks, “I was wondering if you would be in the parts of the script with me playing the director.”
Then Dawn doesn’t seem to know what to say, but jokes, “Well, thanks for thinking about me, but I actually have a lot of work…” as Joe pressures her to say yes.
He then adds, “Well, I’m a little afraid to say no…” as Joe jokes, “What’s wrong because I’m actively suicidal?”
Dawn then asks: ‘Look, if I don’t do it, are you going to kill yourself?’, before Joe adds: ‘Of course not,’ as the clip ends.
In an exclusive look shared with MailOnline, Joe, who played the role of Dennis Savage in the soap, is seen with actress and comedian Dawn, where he shares his plans for the documentary while employing his sharp humor for the parody.
In the clip, Joe is on a video call with Dawn and tells her: ‘I’ve filmed a documentary for Channel 4. It’s about my personality disorder and the fact that I keep thinking about suicide. But it’s funny!’
Dawn then looks doubtful and asks, “Are you sure?” as Joe continues, “I filmed it last year when I really thought I was going to kill myself.”
Over the past decade, Joe has battled drug and alcohol addiction, attempted suicide six times, and experienced 12 panic attacks on stage, putting his comedy career on hold.
Then a message appears: “Me and The Voice In My Head coming soon to Channel 4, Dawn French not appearing.”
Over the past decade, Joe has battled drug and alcohol addiction, attempted suicide six times, and experienced 12 panic attacks on stage, putting his comedy career on hold.
Joe hopes that by exploring his childhood, he can finally control his ‘BPD’ and get over his comedy show which he hopes will reignite his career.
Joe has become known for his very honest sketches on the topic on social media.
Elsewhere in the documentary, Joe speaks to his family, loved ones and BPD experts to better understand his condition and try to make his life more bearable, although Mick is never far away.
Tim Hancock, Channel 4 commissioning editor, said: “I am hugely grateful to Joe for allowing us into his life and mind for this powerful, sensitive and at times very funny programme.
“It’s a unique blend of comedy and brutal authenticity, coming together to create a clear portrait of what it’s like to live with this harsh condition.”
Joe himself added: “Most movies about mental illness are, ironically, depressing. I’m a lot of things, but seriousness is rarely one of them.
“I think we can all agree that it’s not the easiest time to be alive, and with things getting worse faster than I can lower my standards, I’m very grateful to Channel 4 and Hungry Bear Media for allowing me to tell my story my way. .’
Executive producer Dan Baldwin said: “Making this documentary with the phenomenally talented Joe Tracini was a huge highlight for all of us. It’s a tough, heartbreaking, insightful, terrifying and brilliantly funny film.
“In my opinion, he deserves to win everything: hearts, minds and awards.”
Joe Tracini: Me and the Voice in My Head coming soon to Channel 4.
Joe hopes that by exploring his childhood, he can finally control his ‘BPD’ and get over his comedy show which he hopes will reignite his career.
Joe has become known for his very honest sketches on the topic on social media (seen on Hollyoaks).