BBC Plans Documentary on Heston Blumenthal's Bipolar Journey

The BBC has commissioned a documentary titled Heston: My Life With Bipolar, which offers a raw and unfiltered look at renowned English chef Heston Blumenthal's life following his bipolar diagnosis in November 2023 after a manic episode led to him being sectioned. The hour-long film explores Blumenthal's personal journey of understanding and managing bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by extreme mood and energy changes and associated with a high suicide risk, and highlights the stigma surrounding it. The documentary also examines the state of bipolar care in the UK as Blumenthal meets others affected by the condition. Filmed over six months, it includes testimonies from Blumenthal and those close to him on how his undiagnosed bipolar disorder impacted his life, creativity, and energy levels. Since his diagnosis, Blumenthal, who has been awarded seven Michelin stars, has become an ambassador for Bipolar UK. The film aims to foster greater openness and awareness about bipolar disorder by sharing Blumenthal's experiences and challenges with long-term treatment.