In 'Shrink Rap' one of the world's most gregarious comedians describes his deep childhood loneliness playing alone in an empty attic;
- One of the world's most celebrated writers reveals the psychological truths beyond his terrifying death threats,
- A famous male lead singer describes his first sexual experience ...and is surprised to learn that it was rape,
- The world’s most famous rock n' roll wife reveals that as a child she was locked in a cellar and,
- An eighty-something Hollywood Great cries over the brother he lost sixty-five years ago and confesses he believes he was to blame.
Tony Curtis, Salman Rushdie, The Duchess of York, Sharon Osbourne, Joan Rivers, Gene Simmons, Carrie fisher, Robin Williams, Stephen Fry - and all the others I interviewed for Shrink Rap - these are all people we thought we knew; but did we?
In 'Shrink Rap' Finestripe Productions and I wanted to create a show that was the antithesis of the cozy chat format, and I am extremely proud that we have achieved an extraordinary illustration of the truth behind contemporary celebrity. Almost every culture in the world has embraced the cult of fame, yet I believe - and our show has proven - that becoming a celebrity is a hollow victory. 'Shrink Rap' shows that, rather than embodying luminous perfection, those who have come to public attention are just as frail, haunted, lonely as the rest of us. In each episode we see the painful struggles behind the bravely smiling facade, and learn a great deal about the psychological make-up, the personality structure, and how each star has managed to overcome monumental obstacles and achieve international success.
As a clinical psychologist I have always been fascinated by the inner self, but this is the first time such depths have been revealed publically. Bravely commissioned by More4, in long and intense psychologically-based interviews we have gone further than any TV show has ever managed to go. Yet - it's highly entertaining as well because our subjects are multifaceted - deeply moving, insightful and funny.
It was a great privilege for me to speak so deeply to those who bravely agreed to appear in 'Shrink Rap' - and I believe it is also a privilege for viewers to witness it. If you haven't already seen the programmes, I hope you will do so – and when you do I know you will be confident that it will be most highly appreciated by your viewers.
