Julian Clary has spoken candidly about the personal struggles that surrounded one of the most notorious moments in his career.
The comedian, 66, recalled being “engulfed in melancholy” when he made his now-famous joke about former Chancellor Norman Lamont at the 1993 Comedy Awards.
A Joke That Shocked and Stalled His Career
The comment — “As a matter of fact, I’ve just been fi****g Norman Lamont… Talk about a red box” — earned a roar from the live audience but triggered a media backlash that left Julian’s career in limbo.
Reflecting on that period, he admitted he had taken a Valium backstage to steady his nerves before stepping on stage.
Personal Tragedies Behind the Laughter
Julian revealed that the joke was made while he was grappling with profound personal pain.
He was still mourning the loss of his boyfriend Christopher to AIDS two years earlier and battling a drug addiction that included Rohypnol at night and Valium during the day.
He described experiencing constant panic attacks and a feeling that everything in his life was unraveling.
“Yes, it was all tied up with Christopher and drugs and everything going wrong,” Julian told The Sunday Times Magazine.
He added, “Perhaps it was a way to clear my diary in order to recover,” hinting that the controversy, as difficult as it was, forced him to step back and focus on himself.
Turning a Corner: Recovery and Career Rebuild
After the backlash, Julian sought counselling, cleaned up his life, and slowly rebuilt his career.
By 1996, he returned to television with his BBC Two series All Rise for Julian Clary.
Today, he says he doesn’t miss drugs and enjoys being clear-headed.
He has found stability and happiness with his husband Ian Mackley, whom he married in 2018.
Back on Stage: Pantomime and Christmas Magic
Julian is now set to star in Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium alongside Dawn French and Nigel Havers.
The show also marks a decade since Julian first took part in the annual Christmas pantomime in the capital.
Despite the lucrative nature of the role, he says, “I do it for the love of it,” a reminder that his passion for performance endures.
Candid Thoughts on Health and Appearance
Julian has also been open about experimenting with weight loss drugs and cosmetic treatments, admitting that early attempts at slimming down made him unwell. “It’s not for me.
My body didn’t like that. Reflux. I think often these things are too good to be true,” he told The Telegraph.
He also joked about being “early on the Botox train,” showing he hasn’t lost his signature sense of humour about fame and beauty.
Life Between City and Countryside
For years, Julian split his time between London and Goldenhurst, a 17th-century manor near Ashford.
Unlike his friend Paul O’Grady, Julian admits he wasn’t fully enchanted by rural life.
“Muddy, isn’t it? No pavements, no streetlights… I sort of enjoyed it as a contrast, but I sold it just before lockdown,” he said.
City life, it seems, still holds a certain appeal.
Looking Ahead With Laughter
Through tragedy, controversy, and recovery, Julian Clary has shown resilience and a sharp wit that remains intact.
From the infamous red-box joke to the pantomime stage, he continues to charm audiences while navigating life with honesty, humour, and a renewed sense of purpose.
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