Freddy Brazier, the son of Jeff Brazier and the late reality TV star Jade Goody, has opened up about the difficult journey he has faced at just 20 years old.
From losing his mum at a very young age to navigating complicated family relationships and his own mental health challenges, Freddy’s story is one of both pain and resilience.
Growing Up Too Fast
In a candid conversation on the A Load Of Old Cobblers podcast, Freddy shared how his introduction to smoking came shockingly early.
He revealed that by the age of 12, he was already hooked, and pointed to his grandmother, Jackiey Budden, as the person who influenced that habit.
Although he stressed that his very first time wasn’t directly with her, Freddy said she was “definitely the person” who got him addicted.
A Cycle of Struggles
Looking back on his teenage years, Freddy admitted that smoking quickly spiraled into an unhealthy coping mechanism.
“I’ve been smoking since I was 12,” he said, while also revealing that he has been to rehab, experienced manic episodes, and even been sectioned during particularly difficult periods.
The young star didn’t shy away from admitting that his path has been far from smooth, calling it a “real journey” that’s been tough to manage.
Fear of Losing His Nan
One of the most emotional revelations Freddy shared was about his deep fear of losing his grandmother.
He confessed that for years he believed if he didn’t prioritize their relationship, Jackiey might take her own life.
This fear, he explained, drove him to distance himself from his dad, Jeff, and spend long periods with his nan instead, even when their time together involved unhealthy choices.
The Rehab Decision and Sudden U-Turn
Back in June, Freddy took to Instagram to announce that he was heading to a rehab centre in Spain, admitting his addiction had taken control of his life.
He called smoking “a bad coping mechanism” that made him feel temporarily sane but ultimately wasn’t the answer.
Just days later, however, Freddy backtracked on the plan. Instead of rehab, he decided what he really needed was “a holiday with the boys” or perhaps a retreat.
A Childhood Marked by Loss
Freddy’s challenges can’t be separated from the tragedy of losing his mother, Jade Goody, to cervical cancer in 2009.
At just four years old, Freddy was left with memories of her but grew up largely in the care of his father, Jeff.
The loss, combined with complicated family dynamics, has shaped much of his emotional journey.
Tension Between Father and Grandmother
Jeff Brazier has long expressed concern about Jackiey’s influence on his son.
At one point, he even took legal steps to prevent Freddy from seeing his grandmother, citing fears over the effect she had on him.
Over the years, the disputes between Jeff and Jackiey have played out publicly, with Freddy often caught in the middle.
Finding Forgiveness and Gratitude
Despite the turbulence, Freddy has recently shown signs of healing.
He acknowledged the importance of forgiveness and expressed gratitude for his father’s guidance.
Writing on social media, he said he was thankful for his dad’s advice, for reconciliation, and for the friends who have stood by him through it all.
Moving Forward
While Freddy admits his journey has been anything but easy, his openness suggests he is determined to face his struggles rather than hide them.
Balancing personal healing, family dynamics, and the pressures of growing up in the public eye is no small task.
But with the support of his father, close friends, and perhaps a new perspective, Freddy seems ready to carve out a healthier path for the future.
