LOUIE SPENCE: I MAKE EVERYONE ELSE HAPPY BUT I CAN’T FIND HAPPINESS MYSELF

Video Description

Louie Spence is a showbiz icon. For thirty years he was a professional dancer, performing on the West End and touring with the Spice Girls and Take That. But it was his starring role on Sky 1’s Pineapple Studios that made him a celebrity. I’ve met Louie a couple of times before now and he genuinely lights up every room he’s in. But beneath his larger-than-life character is a different, quieter person who has struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as he can remember. We cover: - His lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression -His mum Pat’s secret battle with alcoholism -Finding his people at Italia Conti stage school -Growing up as gay during the Aids epidemic -His decision not to become a parent I came away from our conversation knowing more about who the real Louie Spence is - and I think he is far more entertaining and interesting than he could possibly ever know. 00:00 Trailer 01:58 Introducing Louie Spence 03:04 Pineapple Dance Studios made me famous 05:34 Touring with the Spice Girls 09:24 What happened when I became a celebrity 12:18 Every job in showbiz has an end point 13:45 I lost my mum to alcoholism 19:20 If I’m going to die, I want to die happy 22:10 The death of my mum didn’t affect me until much later 23:20 Alcoholism runs in my family 25:47 Did I ever wanted kids? 27:56 Depression can make you the most selfish person in the world 30:14 Every day is a mental and physical battle 32:32 I make all these people happy but can’t find happiness myself 37:14 I thought my parents were going to die 39:40 When did you realise you were gay? 44:49 The Aids adverts traumatised me as a kid 47:17 My parents remortgage their house to send me to stage school 50:15 I was a naturally gifted dancer 54:19 I know how to make people smile 01:03:55 The things I love most about my husband 01:05:30 Final eight questions If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us on Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at [email protected] And I’m also releasing a book, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ which you can pre-order here: https://boysdontcry.co.uk Design your own Diet Coke can, just scan the QR code on the can and you can make it completely your own! THE CREDITS Producer: Helen Burke Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji Audio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot