Kieran McCartney, who’s competing on the current series of The Apprentice, has opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing that he was spending £500-a-week on cocaine.
The entrepreneur has shared in a new interview that he was ‘in a bad way’ and was ‘suicidal’ after his dad’s death, but that he’s now ‘in a good place’.
The 20th series of The Apprentice, led by business magnate Lord Alan Sugar, began airing in January this year.
McCartney, 26, is one of the final 10 candidates still in the running to secure a business partnership with Lord Sugar.
The estate agent, who runs an estate agency called McCartney & Partners Estate Agents in London and Essex, won the first task as project manager in the first episode.
Get personalised updates on The Apprentice
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
In a new interview with The Sun, he spoke about his previous drug use, revealing that he began taking drugs after his dad died in 2022, aged 43.
‘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 told the publication. ‘I went off the rails for about six months.’
McCartney revealed that he was spending around £500 a week on cocaine, and emphasised that he didn’t take drugs while filming The Apprentice.
He told the newspaper that he would contact cocaine dealers from his company’s work phone before and after he competed on the BBC programme.
‘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. I would have loved a beer, absolutely. It was summertime. It was hot,’ he shared.
‘But drugs? No. Definitely not. I had about 200 cigarettes on me when I went into the house. That was it.’
Following the publication of the interview, McCartney shared a video on his Instagram Story, saying: ‘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.
‘So, don’t worry, love you all, thank you for all the lovely messages, let’s keep going. The sun’s out, go and have a beer, it’s gorgeous.’
Worried about drugs?
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
Adfam has local groups for families affected by drugs and alcohol and DrugFam offers phone and email support to people affected by other people’s drug or alcohol misuse.
The Apprentice returns on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
