Joe Wicks says he's 'in a much more positive place' since making documentary on childhood

Joe Wicks has thanked fans for their support over his documentary about his tough childhood, saying he is in "a much more positive place" since filming it.

The fitness trainer was awarded an MBE for his work during lockdown keeping children across the world active through his PE With Joe YouTube videos and spoke out about his difficult upbringing with a heroin addict father and a mother with mental health problems in Monday's BBC One documentary Joe Wicks: Facing My Childhood.

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Wicks, a dad of two who is expecting a third child with wife Rosie, also explained how his early experiences have shaped his own parenting and said he was trying to fight the urge to shout, as well as imposing bans on using his phone too much.

He tweeted his thanks to his fans, pointing them in the direction of related helplines after the documentary aired, and added: "Just a heads up regarding my own personal mental health.

"Since filming the documentary last year I have found a much better balance with my phone and social media I am in a much more positive place with it all.

"It was a very emotional process but I’ve come away from it feeling stronger and more positive. Thanks again for all your support. Much love Joe x"

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Wicks, 36, has said that many parents contacted him during lockdown to thank him for his workouts helping their children while they struggled with their own mental health.

Viewers praised him for his openness about his childhood, with one person tweeting: "Oh my goodness. Joe Wicks on BBC1. What a wonderful, sensitive and genuine guy. He deserves all the success in the world. I messaged him a week or so ago and I got a personal voice mail. I was gobsmacked. A real genuine man who wants to help, one person at a time."

Another viewer added: "Awww. Joe Wicks is such a great bloke. I had no idea about his childhood. How lovely is he helping others as much as he does?"

Someone else wrote: "Joe Wicks is a really lovely human isn't he."

Watch: Joe Wicks receives MBE at Windsor Castle