Actor Joe Tracini of Hollyoaks says he "still feels mental most days" and longs for "the old me" to come back.
Following his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder in 2019, Tracini has previously discussed his five attempts at suicide.
He has recently provided additional information regarding the ways in which the pandemic negatively impacted his mental health.
Tracini explained on Tuesday (November 7) during an appearance on Lorraine that performing was a "break" and that it made him feel "safe".
He said: "I still feel the most mental you could possibly be most days, especially at the moment, I’ve not been able to adjust into the world since the lockdowns and stuff like that.
"I am not the same person I used to be, and I think that is why I am still struggling and am waiting for the old me to turn up, but I didn’t go anywhere, I am still sat here."
Who is Joe Tracini?
Joe Tracini is an actor, presenter, and author.
Born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, he is the son of comedian Joe Pasquale and Debbie Pasquale. The family relocated to Kent, where Joe was raised in Higham, which is close to Rochester.
He was educated at Rochester Independent College and King's School in Rochester. Later, Tracini enrolled at the London-based Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
From 2004, he gained a number of parts on children's television.
And, having developed an interest in magic at the age of two, Tracini pursued training as a magician in addition to acting. He was crowned the British Junior Magical Champion in 2003 after defeating 3,000 magicians from around the world at the Blackpool Opera House.
Ten Things I Hate About Me, his debut book, was released in 2022.
What roles has Joe Tracini played?
The 34-year-old portrayed Dennis Savage in Hollyoaks from 2011 to 2014, as well as for a brief period in 2018. He is best known for this role.
In 2004, Tracini made his television debut as a guest on the STEM programme Prove It! on CITV. In 2007, he got the part of Spike Bannon on Boomerang's My Spy Family. He would return for the second and third series, until the show's cancellation in January 2010.He was also in comedy series Coming of Age on BBC Three.
Among his theatre credits are his performances in Spamalot, where he starred in 2015's touring production as Patsy.
In addition to his TV work, Tracini portrayed the lead in Roderick Fenske's short film Future Dave, and played Tony Blackburn in the British comedic horror film Kill Keith, co-starring Keith Chegwin and Susannah Fielding.
