Johnny Vegas returns to Channel 4 with ‘public art for St. Helens’ series

Comedian, actor and artist Johnny Vegas is to embark on his most personal project in an artistic love letter to his hometown…

In the two-part Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me, viewers will see one of Britain’s best loved entertainers and trained potters take on the biggest artistic challenge of his career: to create a piece of public art for St. Helens in Merseyside.

Johnny Vegas:

“I used to sit at a potter’s wheel on stage. People thought it was a gimmick but I actually started out as a dedicated wannabe ceramicist. Art was my educational saviour. Over years of witnessing what felt like an ongoing decline in educational commitment to the very same arts I felt it was time I threw my hat back into the ring. To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual a symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.”

What starts as a creative endeavour turns into a journey of self-discovery when Johnny receives a diagnosis of ADHD. Though the original artistic vision falters, the documentary uncovers a silver lining—an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself.

Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4:

“This series brings to life the power of art for everyone – how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire. Beautifully filmed over several years by Eddie Stafford, the series showcases Johnny’s unique humour, heart and passion – uncovering the intricacies and demands of artistic process along the way. It’s an enlightening, eye-opening and emotional journey.”

The series is made by Rumpus Media for Channel 4.