Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba has received a diagnosis of ADHD. The 39-year-old celebrity has been confirmed to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and restlessness.
In a recent appearance on the Beyond The Label podcast, Ore expressed a sense of relief upon understanding the specific traits that have been a significant part of his life. Reflecting on his behaviors, Ore shared, “I’ve always recognized certain behaviors that are unique to me – my need for things to be a certain way. While these behaviors seemed normal to me, I understood they might be perceived as abnormal by others, to the extent that I thought they could be bothersome to others.”
He further explained, “I’ve always managed things in my own way, not always displaying them outwardly. However, in recent weeks, there have been instances where I realized, ‘Oh, that’s ADHD in action.'”
Acknowledging the impact of his ADHD on his career as an actor and presenter, Ore highlighted how some of the symptoms align with success in the performing arts, particularly on stage. He emphasized how traits associated with ADHD, such as intense focus on specific tasks like learning choreography or scripts, have proven beneficial in his professional endeavors.
During the podcast, Ore also opened up about his late sister Lola’s experience with the condition before her tragic passing at the age of 37 earlier this year. Recalling the challenges Lola faced, Ore shared how she was often labeled as a ‘nuisance’ or ‘difficult’ during their childhood, shaping her perception of herself negatively.
Reflecting on the lack of awareness and support for conditions like ADHD in the past, Ore stressed the importance of providing children with the tools and understanding to navigate the world effectively. He expressed regret that his sister did not have access to such resources, leading her to believe she was a problem and struggle to find acceptance.
Ore emotionally shared a poignant poem written by his sister, shedding light on their shared mental health struggles. He emphasized the need for destigmatizing mental health issues and providing appropriate support to individuals facing similar challenges.
For those in need of support, organizations like the Samaritans and Mind offer helplines and resources for individuals struggling with mental health concerns.