Olly Murs has opened up on his chronic anxiety, and how he was left unable to remember his own songs while performing on stage.
The 34-year-old recalled the scary moment and how he ended up seeking help following the gig.
When chatting to The Mirror, the Dance With Me Tonight hitmaker described how he was unable to breathe when he was first hit with the condition.
The star told the publication: ‘My heart was pounding and I couldn’t breathe. I’m standing behind the mic and I’m talking trying to calm myself down, thinking: “What’s going on? I’ve never ever been like this”.
‘It was genuine panic.’
Olly went on to describe how he dealt with the situation, and how he overcame the anxious moment.
He said: ‘I was looking at my mum and dad in the audience and trying to focus, despite the fact I’d just forgotten my lyrics. It was just a routine performance but I didn’t know what was going on.’
After trying to combat his mental health himself, Olly decided to get professional help and went to see a therapist.
He explained how he came to realise that his slip-up on the X Factor back in 2015 – when his hosting with Caroline Flack was roundly panned – had affected him more than he had thought, and was now afraid to return to TV.
With this in mind, the singer spoke about the moment he found out about becoming a judge on The Voice, and how he was struck with panic again.
While his friend was telling him how great the opportunity was, Olly confessed: ‘I was like, “Yeah, it is.”
‘Then I just had this sudden, overwhelming panic. Whether it was anxiety or depression, I was like: “I don’t think I can do this.”’
After getting help, Olly is now able to manage his anxiety and has urged other men to speak up about their problems.
The star is currently appearing on The Voice Uk as one of the judges, alongside Jennifer Hudson, Tom Jones and Will.i.am.
When chatting to Metro.co.uk about his role on the show, Olly opened up on how he enjoys being able to help other people.
He said: ‘At the end of the day, The Voice is an amazing platform for [musicians], to go on and showcase their music and their talent, and just enjoy the platform and go for it.’
Talking about his time on the X Factor, Olly added: ‘Simon [Cowell] gave me that chance years ago so I love doing that for others.’
Need support? Contact the Samaritans
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
MORE: Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid installs extra security after two ‘devastating’ break-ins