Louis Theroux recalls disastrous first time he got drunk: ‘I was 13… I felt radioactive with toxicity’
Documentarian recounted story to latest podcast guest Frankie Boyle
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Your support makes all the difference.Louis Theroux has revealed the first time he got drunk was aged 13 – and it had disastrous consequences.
Speaking to his guest Frankie Boyle on his Grounded with Louis Theroux Podcast, the documentarian said he had his first taste of alcohol on a skiing holiday with his parents, during a fondue night at the French hotel where they were staying.
“I was probably 13,” he said. “In France, where we were, kids drinking wine isn’t a big deal. I began drinking the wine and thought it tasted disgusting but I found that if I held my nose I could knock it back.”
He added: “I was drinking glass after glass of red wine until I blacked out. I woke up the next morning in the hotel room and I’d s*** my pants. I vomited everywhere. It was a hangover beyond anything I’ve experienced since.”
Theroux said he “felt radioactive with toxicity” after drinking so much.
On the podcast, Boyle opened up about his past struggles with alcoholism, saying it was a reaction to the “horror” of his early life. He also called out fellow comedian Ricky Gervais for making jokes about trans people.
Alcoholics Anonymous helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 9177 650. If you would prefer, you can also email them at help@aamail.org or live chat via their website at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk. Drinkline, a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else's. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
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