The Apprentice star Kieran McCartney has candidly opened up on his drug addiction, admitting he would spend £400-£500 a week on cocaine
Kieran McCartney(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Naked (A Freemantle Label)/Ray Burminston)
A favourite on The Apprentice has candidly revealed he battled a cocaine addiction and was left with suicidal thoughts. Kieran McCartney opened up on his £500-a-week drug addiction – and the one call that allowed him to change his life.
The TV contestant, who worked as an estate agent, revealed he used his work phone to message dealers in East London during company time – both before and after his time on the BBC show. And he has revealed he “probably wouldn’t be here”if it wasn’t for his mother.
He revealed how his friendship group dwindled as pals grew embarrassed by how he was behaving on drugs or alcohol. But he confessed Lord Alan Sugar’s “you’re fired” catchphrase proved to him that he was able to give it up.
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He admitted he would splurge £400-£500 on cocaine on a weekly basis, spending hours in the pub five times a week. Speaking to The Sun, Kieran said: “It always came if I had a few drinks. I couldn’t drink without doing it. I’d maybe have four pints. Then I might have a little bit. And then have another four pints.”
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He confessed that he would sometimes find himself still up in the early hours despite having work the next day. He admitted he would feel “awful” but would always go to work.
Kieran denies ever using the drug while filming the reality TV show. And he blasted those who said he looked “wired” during the series.
“The Apprentice was an amazing experience — mentally very stressful,” he said. “But I’m in a good place now. It didn’t even cross my mind once. I would have loved a beer, absolutely. It was summertime. It was hot.
“But drugs? No. Definitely not. I had about 200 cigarettes on me when I went into the house. That was it.” And he told those online to stop and “don’t judge a book by its cover”.
Fans of the show are watching as he continues his bid to get the deal with Lord Sugar. Before appearing on the show, the estate agent said he wanted to rehabilitate his profession’s reputation.
To do so, he said he needed Lord Sugar’s investment to help him to branch out on his own. He said at the time: “I know the property game inside out.
“The wins, the pressure, and the graft it takes to succeed. But now it’s time to stop building someone else’s business and start building my own.”
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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