Mo Gilligan has revealed that he was ‘mᴀssively depressed’ in his twenties as his career snowballed. 

The comedian, 37, sH๏τ to fame in 2017 after going viral on social media and what followed was a string of huge presenting gigs. 

But he has now opened up about how his mental health suffered as his career began to take off.

Speaking to Jamie Laing on the Great Company podcast on Wednesday, Mo admitted that he ‘lost’ himself as the money came rolling in – before therapy helped him break down his walls and connect with people.

‘I lost myself, I struggled in a sense of “Wow this is all I’ve wanted, I’ve got the big cheque, but I’m not in the happiest place”,’ he said. 

‘I was mᴀssively depressed. That’s when I started therapy. I didn’t cry in my twenties, I put up a wall, and when I got depressed it all came out. 

Mo Gilligan revealed on the Great Company podcast on Wednesday that he was ‘mᴀssively depressed’ in his twenties as his career snowballed (Seen in November)

The comedian, 37, sH๏τ to fame in 2017 after going viral on social media and what followed was a string of huge presenting gigs (Seen in 2018)

‘Therapy helped me open up not so much to my therapist but other people, to let my real personality out and connect.’

In 2022, Mo accepted the award for Best Comedy Entertainment Programme at the BAFTA TV Awards and used his speech to speak about his mental health. 

‘Oh s**t I’m so nervous. I have to big up Channel 4. In 2017 when I got offered a show, my mental health wasn’t in the best place,’ he reflected. 

‘Channel 4 brought me into this big building. They rusted me and let me be myself and bring black boy joy to the screens.

The comedian was dealt a blow in 2023 after losing two of his television presenting gigs in one week.

He revealed that year that Channel 4’s The Lateish Show would not be returning after four series.

Then his BBC show That’s My Jam was given the chop by the broadcaster after one series.

He was hand-picked for the programme by American comedian and television host Jimmy Fallon with the show being based on the music-themed segments of the US star’s talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

He revealed in 2023 that Channel 4’s The Lateish Show would not be returning after four series (Seen on the show)

Mo also presented the BRIT Awards for two yeas in a row, but stepped down in 2023. 

He revealed the news in a statement posted to his Instagram, alongside pH๏τographs of his time at the helm of the awards. 

He penned: ‘I’ve had the most incredible time working on The Brits but unfortunately as I’ll be in the US for my first World Tour next spring, I’m sorry to say that I’ll be stepping down from hosting duties for 2024 and handing over the baton.

‘It’s been phenomenal to work on this iconic event. I’ve loved getting to know all the remarkable people who run The Brit Trust and the outstanding Brit School.  

‘The tireless work you do to improve lives through the power of music and the creative arts is sensational and I promise to continue supporting wherever I can.

Mo also presented the BRIT Awards for two yeas in a row, but stepped down in 2023 (Pictured)

‘Thank you to ITV for making a young man’s dream come true and to all the brilliant performers, guests, production team and most importantly, the viewers at home for all your amazing support.

‘It’s been an honour. See you on Tour.’

Following Mo’s announcement, a BRITs spokesperson told The Sun: ‘The BRITs are incredibly proud of Mo hosting the awards for the last two years, he is an exceptional entertainer who is going from strength to strength in his career, and we thank him for delivering two brilliant shows for us.

‘The live awards show is always evolving, and we are excited to welcome someone new to the helm for 2024, with more details to be announced at a later date.’

If you have been affected by this story, contact the Samaritans, call 116 123 or email [email protected]