Stand-up comedian Lou Sanders’ unique brand of silliness has seen her soar to new heights, landing her a place on Dancing On Ice and a role on Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable.
But as she prepares for her latest stand-up tour, she also remembers darker times in her life – her battle with alcoholism and how finding sobriety saved her career.
Lou, who wrote about her journey in her memoir What’s That Lady Doing? False Starts And Happy Endings, developed a heavy drinking habit in her teens. She continued to binge drink for decades until a stand-up gig in 2015 took a scary turn.
“I threw an empty bottle of wine at the audience and called Ed Gamble some horrible stuff that is so far from the truth. He’s the nicest, nicest guy ever,” she remembers.
“And then I pulled Arthur Smith’s trousers down. When I threw that bottle, I could have seriously damaged someone.
“The last [gig where I drank] was a snowboarding trip and I was with loads of people that love a drink, yet I was the biggest problem. I got so drunk and started heckling the other acts – the worst thing you could do ever.”
She adds, “I don’t understand how that’s even in me to do that when I’m drunk. So then I did stop drinking because I thought, ‘I can’t have a career and be an alcoholic.’ Some people manage, but it’s increasingly going out of fashion.”
Now she is ready to put the past behind her as she focuses on the joy in life.
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'I want to be a dad more than anything
TOWIE star Jordan Brook shares his dreams of fatherhood
'CHANGE IS TRADITION'
As the school gates reopen, Waterloo Road star Rachel Leskovac tells us what's in store as Jason Manford joins the cast
MINIMUM EFFORT, MAXIMUM TASTE
Easy vegetarian recipes from bestselling author Rukmini yer
THE PITFALES OF AT-HOME REMEDIES
Some online health advice could be putting our wellbeing at risk
Dad told sons they were 'the best boys ever' then executed them
Chad Doerman reached for his gun and his family ran for their lives
'Men rejected me when they found out I have HIV'
Student Ellie Harrison was just 21 when she discovered that she was HIV positive. Here, she talks about the impact of her diagnosis and fighting to raise awareness
'I'm showing the world who I am'
Model Ellie Goldstein on following her dreams and championing diversity
I'm up for most opportunities -you only live once'
Reality TV star and mum-of-three Billie Shepherd juggling work and family, and why she's in bed by 9pm
Danniella's comeback surgery
Former EastEnders star Danniella Westbrook is preparing to return to acting, but, a source tells new, not before she has cosmetic surgery to look and feel her best
I'd be the biggest traitor of all!
Reality favourite Gemma Collins tells us about her body positivity, TV hopes and why you should look after your finances