Janet Devlin shares her battle with alcohol addiction in new BBC documentary
In Northern Ireland, the number of alcohol-related deaths among women is at an all-time high
Last updated 23rd Feb 2022
At just 16 years of age, Co Tyrone teen Janet Devlin was entertaining millions on the UK’s hottest reality show, The X Factor.
Week after week Janet would belt out incredible covers of some of the world’s biggest songs from artists like Guns N’ Roses, Elvis Presley and who could forget Elton John’s ‘Your Song.’
After finishing the ITV show in fifth place back in 2011, a period of loneliness and social anxiety lead to a downward spiral that was fuelled by addition and self-harm.
BBC One NI have produced a deeply personal documentary alongside the singer/songwriter, who has been sober now for six years.
Titled ‘Janet Devlin: Young, Female and Addicted' this film shines a light on addiction in young women here at home.
In Northern Ireland, the number of alcohol-related deaths among women is at an all-time high, and increasing here faster than anywhere else in the UK.
Janet shares her experiences and the impact alcoholism had on those closest to her. The BBC shared : “In this hard-hitting documentary, Janet speaks to medical experts about why young women in Northern Ireland are drinking more than ever and what support is available to those who are struggling.
“As part of her active recovery, Janet confronts those in her life impacted by her drinking and meets other young women whose lives have been devastated by alcohol abuse.
Janet recently shared a message to her 138K Instagram followers, it read: “My documentary that I’ve been filming for well over half a year is nearly here.
“It was a deeply personal experience facing up to my past, and meeting those who are living with the very real impact of addiction. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to help bring this subject into focus.
How to watch:
Janet Devlin: Young, Female and Addicted airs Monday 28 February, at 10.35pm, on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.
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