Matt Willis’ emotional documentary about his battle with alcohol and drug addiction was hailed by viewers as “brave, bold, honest television” after it aired Wednesday night.
In the moving BBC film, titled ‘Fighting Addiction’, the Busted star opened up about his battle with addiction and subsequent recovery.
Many viewers praised Matt’s wife, Emma, for standing by and offering her support as he battled addiction. One viewer called the documentary “the most impressive thing they’ve seen in years.”
In the film, the presenter broke down in tears as she expressed her fears that Matt could relapse at any time, while revealing that she kept a daily journal of his drug use at the height of his addiction.
She also expressed concerns that Matt could relapse while touring with Busted after it was announced the band will reunite for a series of concerts later this year.
Heartbreaking: Matt Willis’ emotional documentary about his battle with alcohol and drug addiction was hailed by viewers as “brave, bold, honest television” after it aired on Wednesday
Touching: Many viewers praised Matt’s wife, Emma, for standing by and offering her support as he battled addiction
The first scene of the documentary showed Emma opening the diary she kept in 2008, which detailed Matt’s daily alcohol and drug use.
One page of the diary read that Emma had written that Matt was “completely pissed off”.
She told the cameras, “The only thing I could think of to keep track of was to keep a journal.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever read it since I wrote it. They are literally just notes of what I knew he had consumed.
“A bottle of champagne, a few wines, a few wines… another bottle of champagne and more.”
Emma also revealed that she would hit all the local pubs to find Matt, but he would purposely go to places she didn’t know.
She added, “I was so scared he was going to die,” while admitting that living with someone with an addiction is “unpredictable” and “anxious.”
Later in the documentary, Emma admitted she’s concerned Matt may relapse again when Busted goes on tour later this year, having done so when they last saw each other in 2016.
Inside: In the film, the presenter broke down in tears as she expressed concerns that Matt might relapse, while revealing that she kept a daily journal of his drug use
Insight: She also expressed concerns that Matt could relapse while touring with Busted after it was announced the band will reunite for a series of concerts later this year
Speaking to the camera, she said, “Matt has always had issues but they seem to really come into play when he’s on tour.”
“I know he doesn’t want to be that person, but will his brain trick him and say, ‘One more time, nobody’s going to know.’ That’s the worry.’
In his early 20s, the singer said he couldn’t come lunchtime without drugs or alcohol.
Later, on the 2017 tour, he “drank six grams[of cocaine]a day alone and didn’t come home until 3 a.m.” — a month after he started taking the drug again.
The film was widely praised by viewers on social media, with some particularly praising Emma for standing by Matt’s side through his troubles.
One wrote: “Raw. Honest. “So many wow moments and overall a lot of interesting facts about addiction, the medical facts surrounding it and its effects.”
“What a beautiful, genuine and strong couple,” posted another.
A third added: “Sad, uplifting, disturbing, inspirational.” @EmmaWillis is a remarkable woman. And I really hope @mattwillis can stay sober with her undying love and help. They seem like a lovely couple.’
One fan also tweeted, “Respect, strength and love for #emmawillis #mattwillis #fightingaddiction beautiful souls.” This will save so many addicts in the same situation. Thank you, great love.’
Important: The film was widely praised by viewers on social media, with some particularly praising Emma for standing by Matt’s side through his troubles
Important: One viewer called the BBC documentary ‘the most amazing thing they’ve seen in years’
Matt previously opened up about some of the harsh realities of his battle with drug addiction and the toll he took on his relationship with his wife.
The star openly admitted that at the height of his addiction battles, he had tricked Emma into thinking she was crazy.
During heavy binge drinking, Matt revealed he even left his now-wife notes “apologizing” when he was convinced he wouldn’t wake up the next day.
During an appearance on Lorraine on Wednesday, Matt said he’s worried he might relapse on the upcoming Busted tour, having already relapsed at the band’s last reunion in 2016.
He said, “I always worry a little bit about relapsing, it’s a chronic relapsing addiction.”
“I’ve got a handle on certain things every day that I’m very, very picky about and I feel like I have to be.” I’ve felt pretty selfish at times because it’s my main priority. But without that, everything else falters.’
Speaking of his bandmates James Bourne and Charlie Simpson, he added, “Luckily the boys are amazing and they love me and want me to be okay.” And we have a job to do, so it’s in everyone’s interest that I do not be ruined.
“I feel good about it at the moment, everything is fine with Busted at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Busted and his wife Emma Willis have expressed their support for the rocker, although Matt admitted she wasn’t ready to direct the documentary.
He told Lorraine Kelly of his wife, “It took Emma a few conversations to get into this because we’ve been pretty private in our lives and we’ve never really opened up.”
“I felt like that was such an important part of it, it was like she went through everything with me and stayed by my side through everything and a lot of people would tell her not to do it at times .”
“But he saw something in me and she knew she could help, and she did massively.”