Matt Willis Illness: What Illness does He have? What does He Addicted to?
by Aishwarya R | Updated May 13, 2023
Who is Matt Willis?
Mathew James Willis, the charismatic and talented English musician, singer, songwriter, television personality, and actor, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With a passion that burns brighter than a thousand suns, he co-founded the sensational pop rock band Busted, where his soulful voice and rhythmic bass captivated audiences worldwide.
Born on May 8, 1983, in Tooting, London, Willis grew up with an older brother, but his parents separated when he was just three years old. Following the split, his mother remarried and had a half-sister. As a child, Willis was known to be a bit of a "problem child," frequently sneaking out of the house by climbing down drainpipes. He also struggled with asthma, hyperactivity, and tunnel vision.
After leaving his previous secondary school, Willis attended Woking High School before transferring to the independent fee-paying Sylvia Young Theatre School in Marylebone, London, where he became friends with Billie Piper, Lee Ryan, Tom Fletcher, Jodi Albert, and the late Amy Winehouse. Over the course of his childhood, Willis legally changed his last name three times, first from Willis to Woods after his parents' separation, and later to Sargent after his mother remarried.
In a momentous display of his artistry, Willis embarked on a solo journey, releasing his debut album "Don't Let It Go to Waste" on a fateful day, 20 November 2006. This masterpiece unleashed a triumvirate of chart-topping singles, igniting the hearts of his fans with its melodic brilliance and lyrical prowess. But that was just the beginning of his extraordinary ascent.
In December 2006, the world witnessed the triumph of his spirit as he emerged victorious in the fierce battleground of the ITV reality series, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! The nation rejoiced as his resilience and charisma shone through, cementing his place as a beloved icon. Ever the radiant force, Willis graced the screens once again, co-presenting the electrifying spin-off show on ITV2 alongside his beloved wife, Emma, in the years 2007 and 2008.
Their dynamic chemistry illuminated the airwaves, capturing the hearts of viewers and solidifying their status as an enchanting power couple. But the allure of the acting world beckoned, and Willis fearlessly ventured into uncharted territory. In 2014, he graced our screens once more, portraying the lovable Garth Stubbs in the revived ITV sitcom, Birds of a Feather, and captivating audiences with his natural comedic timing. As if that wasn't enough, he enchanted fans with his portrayal of Luke Riley in the esteemed BBC One soap opera, EastEnders, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of television.
Matt Willis Illness
In the depths of his early 20s, the renowned singer found himself engulfed in a dark and tumultuous struggle with drugs and alcohol. Every day became a battle as he desperately clung to these vices, unable to reach lunchtime without their suffocating grip. The rock 'n' roll lifestyle he had once envisioned was far from glamorous—it was a hauntingly sad existence.
During the 2017 tour, the depths of his addiction became even more harrowing. He found himself consuming six grams of cocaine daily, isolating himself until the early hours of the morning. This destructive cycle resumed just a month after he had initially recommenced using the drug. To shed light on his journey of recovery and redemption, Matt embarked on a transformative endeavor—the creation of a documentary titled "Fighting Addiction" in collaboration with the BBC.
Set to be released on May 17, the film aimed to provide an unflinching portrayal of the impact his addiction had on his loved ones, particularly his wife Emma. Through the process of making the documentary, both Matt and Emma came to realize that there were still unresolved conversations that needed to take place, as they confronted the enduring fear and emotional toll his addiction had on their relationship.
Matt's battle with addiction had inflicted deep wounds within their marriage. In moments of desperation, he would resort to gaslighting, manipulating Emma into believing she was losing her sanity. The weight of his addiction pushed him to leave notes of apology for his wife, convinced that he might not wake up the following day.
In a poignant interview with The Guardian, Matt exposed the nights of excessive indulgence, where he believed he had crossed the line, consumed too much alcohol, and ingested an alarming amount of drugs. He would leave these confessional notes, expressing his remorse, only to discard them before Emma had a chance to discover them.
The documentary delves into the profound impact of Matt's addiction on Emma, a beloved television presenter and the mother of their three children. Filled with fear, she began documenting his escalating drinking and drug use in a diary, her greatest worry being the potential loss of his life.
What Illness does Matt Willis have?
Matt Willis struggled with alcohol and drug addiction in his early 20s. Yet, let us not forget the seismic impact he made as one-third of the groundbreaking pop band, Busted. With an unrivaled passion and dedication, Willis co-founded the group, pouring his heart and soul into every note and lyric.
Together with his bandmates, he co-wrote a symphony of hits that resonated with fans across the United Kingdom, sparking a pop revolution. Their meteoric rise brought forth chart-topping success, two studio albums, a captivating live performance compilation, and a coveted collection of their greatest hits, ensuring their legacy echoed across the Atlantic.
In a tale as riveting as any, the band faced a heartbreaking chapter when Charlie Simpson departed to pursue other projects, leading to their disbandment in 2005. But the universe, in all its cosmic wisdom, conspired to reunite the forces of destiny.
On that unforgettable day, 10 November 2015, Busted's official website and social media platforms erupted with the news of their triumphant return. A 13-date tour was announced, sending shockwaves of joy through their loyal fan base. Such was the demand that additional dates were swiftly added, affirming their unrivaled popularity.
Unleashing their creative energy once more, Busted presented their awe-inspiring third studio album, "Night Driver," on 25 November 2016. Its captivating melodies and introspective lyrics showcased the evolution of the band, proving their artistic prowess knew no bounds.
The journey continued in 2019 with the release of "Half Way There," a testament to their enduring spirit and insatiable hunger for musical brilliance. As the year drew to a close, Busted embarked on their first hiatus since the initial split, allowing each member the space to explore new creative ventures.
As Matt reflects on the damage his addiction wrought upon their relationship, he acknowledges the vital process of making amends to those he has hurt. However, he admits that with Emma, he may never truly repair the damage he caused. Instead, he strives to embody a changed man each day, attentively listening and respecting her perspective without argument.
By doing so, he seeks to validate her feelings, acknowledging the past manipulation and vowing never to subject her to such torment again. The weight of shame and remorse fuels his unwavering commitment to his ongoing recovery journey, as he strives to rebuild the trust and love that once defined their union.
What does Matt Willis Addicted to?
In a candid and emotional interview on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast earlier this year, Matt found himself overwhelmed with emotion as he shared the heart-wrenching story of how his battle with alcoholism caused him to miss a pivotal moment in his daughter's life—the day she first crawled.
Recounting the incident, Matt revealed that missing this milestone became a profound turning point in his addiction journey, serving as a powerful motivation for him to confront his demons and strive for a better future. Matt and his wife Emma are the proud parents of three children named Isabelle, Ace, and Trixie.
Opening up to Giovanna Fletcher, the vulnerable musician recounted the depths of his struggle, reaching what he described as rock bottom. With tears in his eyes, he shared the painful memory of the moment that shattered his soul.
During a poignant revelation, Matt opened up about his personal journey, sharing the heart-wrenching account of his relapse into addiction when his daughter Isabelle was just six months old. Recounting a specific incident, he vividly recalled the pain of missing his wife Emma's birthday while he was in Birmingham for a television show. The celebratory wrap party became a catalyst for his descent into recklessness as he succumbed to the allure of a glass of champagne, unknowingly setting off a night of destructive behavior.
Struggling to contain his emotions, Matt described the profound impact of his actions the following morning. The weight of his regret crashed upon him like a torrential downpour as Emma revealed the devastating news—he had missed Isabelle's monumental first crawl. The realization that he had been absent during such a precious milestone hit him with an intensity he couldn't bear. In that moment, surrounded by strangers in a pub, he grasped the magnitude of his absence and the irreversible moments of joy he had forfeited.
The weight of his remorse and the truth he confronted were almost unbearable. Matt acknowledged his profound failure as a father, recognizing that the cycle of destruction and disappointment had resurfaced once again. The pain of this realization struck him with an unrelenting force, leaving him unable to deny the destructive pattern he had fallen into and the immense toll it had taken on his family.
In that shattering moment, the gravity of his actions became the catalyst for change. Determined to break free from the chains of addiction and reclaim his role as a loving father, Matt resolved to confront his demons head-on and embark on a path of healing and redemption. This painful awakening fueled his commitment to rebuilding his family and ensuring that no precious moment would ever be missed again.
This poignant revelation marked a turning point in Matt's life—a moment of clarity that propelled him towards healing and redemption. Fueled by the profound loss he felt from missing his daughter's first crawl, he committed himself to becoming a better father and husband, determined to break free from the grip of addiction and forge a brighter future for himself and his family.
Matt Willis Wife
Matt Willis tied the knot with Emma Griffiths on July 5, 2008, in a picturesque ceremony held at Rushton Hall in Northamptonshire. The joyous occasion garnered significant attention and was even featured in OK magazine, capturing the hearts of fans and admirers alike.
Emma Louise Willis, previously known as Emma Griffiths, is a highly regarded English broadcaster renowned for her remarkable contributions to television and radio. Throughout her career, she has graced the screens of prominent channels such as Channel 5, BBC, ITV, and Heart FM, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Emma's notable hosting credits include the prestigious shows Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, which she flawlessly presented from 2013 to 2018. Additionally, she helmed the beloved spin-off series Big Brother's Bit on the Side, captivating audiences from 2011 to 2015.
Since 2014, Emma has been at the forefront of The Voice UK, lending her undeniable talent and charisma to the show. Her hosting prowess continued to shine as she took charge of the second and third series of The Circle in 2019 and 2021.
Born in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Emma Willis spent her formative years attending Wylde Green Primary School before progressing to John Willmott School in Sutton Coldfield. Even at a young age, she exhibited her natural abilities, delving into the world of modeling at a mere fifteen years old.
Throughout her illustrious career, Emma graced the pages of renowned publications such as Marie Claire, Elle, and Vogue, leaving an indelible mark with her captivating presence. She also collaborated with esteemed brands like GAP and Chanel, showcasing her versatility and impeccable style.
Emma Willis has undoubtedly carved a place for herself in the realm of broadcasting, captivating audiences with her magnetic personality and undeniable talent. Her passion for her craft shines through, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Matt Willis Children
Matt Willis is a devoted parent to their three children: Ace, Isabelle, and Trixie. Emma has also spoken out about the significance of allowing children the freedom to "experiment" and "express themselves" through their choices of clothing and hair.
In 2022, Matt Willis opened up about the conscious decision he and his wife, Emma Willis, made to keep their children away from social media. The choice came after a significant public response when Emma shared a photo of their ten-year-old son, Ace, wearing a pink top, which sparked a wider discussion about gender norms.
During an episode of the Sweat, Snot, and Tears podcast, Matt expressed his perspective, saying, "I simply love my son and allow him to be whoever he wants to be. I don't understand why someone's choice of clothing or hairstyle should be such a focal point, but unfortunately, it is for some people, and that surprised me."
He further revealed that the aftermath of the photo made him realize the importance of shielding their children from the negativity often found on social media. Matt shared, "It solidified my decision to stay away from social media. I don't want my children to be burdened with unnecessary worries about these things right now."
In an interview with The Sun, Emma emphasized, "It's a personal and individual matter. My son has his own preferences, and I wouldn't want to hinder his self-expression or experimentation with clothes. To me, hair is hair, clothes are clothes, and color is color. If my son wants to wear a pink top, I certainly won't stand in his way."
Emma emphasized the importance of nurturing children's exploration, stating, "Kids love to explore, not only in nature with dirt, worms, and spiders, but also through colors, clothes, and hair. I simply allow him to be himself and encourage his self-discovery."
Matt Willis Illness - FAQs
Matt Willis's full name is Mathew James Willis.
Matt Willis was born on May 8, 1983.
Matt Willis is known as a musician, singer, songwriter, television personality, and actor. He gained initial fame as a member of the pop rock band Busted and later went on to have a successful solo career. He has also appeared on various television shows and acted in sitcoms and soap operas.
Yes, Matt Willis has been open about his battles with addiction. He has spoken about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, the impact it had on his personal life and relationships, and his journey to recovery.
Yes, Matt Willis is married. He tied the knot with Emma Willis (formerly known as Emma Griffiths) on July 5, 2008. They have three children together.