Jake Quickenden Opens Up About New BBC Role and Family Life
Jake Quickenden, best known for his appearances on I'm A Celebrity and The X Factor, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his career with a role in an upcoming BBC show. In an exclusive interview, the 37-year-old star reveals details about playing a "horrible" character, marking his first proper acting job. Quickenden, who first found fame on The X Factor in 2014, has since starred in shows like Dancing on Ice and Hollyoaks, but this BBC project represents a significant step towards his dream of becoming an actor.
Balancing Career Aspirations with Fatherhood
When not on set, Quickenden is dedicated to his family life with wife Sophie Church and their two sons, Leo, aged five, and Kit, 13 months. He describes fatherhood as his "favourite thing in the whole entire world," though he admits it comes with challenges, such as recent health scares with Kit battling chicken pox and croup. Quickenden also reflects on how becoming a dad has helped him heal from past tragedies, including the loss of his father Paul to myeloma in 2009 and his younger brother Oliver to bone cancer in 2013.
On his new BBC role: "I can't say much, but I love the character I'm playing – he's a horrible guy, which is so far away from who I am. I'd love to do Emmerdale – I reckon my mum would be thrilled if I told her I was on it!"
Mental Health and Personal Growth
Quickenden has been vocal about his mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of openness, especially for men. He shares that he suffers daily with worries about work and life, but finds solace in his family. "Some days I don't want to get out of bed, but I've got a family that I need to get out of bed for," he says. His wife Sophie supports him by giving him space during tough times, and he finds joy in moments with his children, like when Leo comes home from playdates praised for his manners.
Regarding expanding their family, Quickenden mentions that Sophie has expressed a desire for a girl, but they are uncertain about having another child. "Never say never!" he adds with a laugh.
Reflections on Fame and Future Projects
Quickenden remains in touch with The X Factor judge Simon Cowell, whom he describes as "super lovely." He humorously speculates that Cowell might think he made a mistake by not letting him win in 2014, though Quickenden acknowledges that his path led to opportunities like I'm A Celebrity and Dancing on Ice. Additionally, he is involved in other ventures, such as playing George Michael in WHAM! The Show and starring in the YouTube series Celebs With Tools, which he says was inspired by his father's trade background.
Quickenden concludes by sharing a heartwarming anecdote about his son Leo "seeing" his late father, which brings him comfort. "The boys have filled in those gaps in my heart. It's beautiful," he reflects.
