Celebrity architect Hugh Wallace has revealed he “fell off the wagon” over the last 12 months – saying the Covid-19 pandemic reminded him of the “dark days of 2008”.
The Home of the Year judge admitted he suffered with anxiety and worry while the country was in lockdown and turned to alcohol after eight years of sobriety.
He is still dealing with his addiction issues and it is a daily journey for him and his long-time partner Martin Corbett.
Hugh said the last two years was like the economic crash and resulting recession more than a decade ago.
"It was like going back to the dark days of 2008 when we lost the business.
"I suffered with anxiety and worry and I fell off the wagon in the past 12 months. That was difficult," he told the RTÉ Guide.
Hugh praised Martin for his incredible support.
He said: "It takes time to sort yourself out because drinks plays games with you.
"So I am still in the process of sorting that. It is a journey, a daily journey.
"Martin is very supportive. He challenges me to deal with it but not in an overt way and that is very important."
Hugh's father Ken also had problems with alcohol and he was worried that he would turn into him.
He said: "He was a very placid man but drink consumed him. There is not a family in the country unaffected by alcohol. Very often, people don't say 'Your alcoholism is affecting us!'."
He added: "No. It wasn't talked about. My father went into John of God's for six months but when he came out it still wasn't talked about."
Hugh also opened up about his own stint in rehab.
He said: "I was in rehab for alcoholism in Stanhope Street and there were people there who couldn't tell their partners they were attending.
"Martin understood what was going with me because he had been there himself."
Hugh's public platform has really helped him.
He said: "It gives you confidence. I am an alcoholic. It is a disease. I am also dyslexic. So now, if I am writing minutes, I will ask somebody can they spell whatever.
"I don't have any shame. Why should I? If you are open and honest it peels off a layer and you don't have to pretend anymore."
The new season of Home of the Year begins on RTÉ One on February 15th.
He said: "It is all about the personality of the homeowners coming through and you can always tell whether it is the homeowner's personality and creativity or a design conceived by others."
