EastEnders actor Howard Saddler, known for his role as Pastor Gideon Clayton in the BBC soap, has returned to Bury St Edmunds to serve as a judge for Recovery’s Got Talent, a showcase designed for individuals overcoming addiction and mental health struggles.
Saddler, who has his own history of recovery, was honored to participate in the event held at King Edward IV School in Suffolk.
“I got involved directly because I am in recovery myself,” Saddler explained.
He shared that his personal connection to the town began when he sought treatment there years ago.
After initially participating in the event seven or eight years ago, Saddler was delighted to return as a judge this year.
“I jumped at the chance,” he said, acknowledging how much the event means to him and the participants.
Recovery’s Got Talent is organized by a coalition of support organizations including Turning Point, Anglia Care Trust, and Artheads.
The talent show offers a platform for individuals who have faced difficult circumstances, such as addiction, abuse, and mental health issues, to express themselves creatively.
Former contestant and host Jody Lee, known as The Skinny Poet, emphasized the importance of giving these individuals a voice.
“It’s really about giving people who so often don’t have a voice the opportunity to express themselves creatively,” he said.
This year’s show marked the seventh installment of Recovery’s Got Talent and featured seven performances, including an opening act by last year’s winner, Lauren, and poetry by Jody Lee.
The night concluded with a performance by Al “Soulman” Sharp.
The judging panel included Saddler, BBC Suffolk’s Jon Wright, Bury St Edmunds Mayor Diane Hind, and Lauren, though the ultimate winner was selected by an anonymous audience vote.
This year’s winner, singer Jasmine Rose, delivered moving renditions of Whitney Houston’s “All the Man That I Need” and “A New Life” from the musical Jekyll and Hyde.
Jasmine, who is autistic, spoke openly about her own mental health challenges, including being bullied at school.
“This is absolutely mind blowing, I’m so happy,” she said, reflecting on her journey. “It’s about wanting to get better and creating a new life for yourself and keep looking forward.”
Saddler praised the importance of events like Recovery’s Got Talent, which shine a light on mental health and recovery.
While society has made progress in recognizing mental health struggles, Saddler noted that there’s still a lingering stigma.
“Time is the greatest healer and I think society needs a bit of time to adjust to understanding, and it is happening,” he said. “Events like this do nothing but help.”
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