New OU/BBC co-production explores mental health

Posted on 19 June 2025 • TV and radio

A new OU/BBC programme Heston: My life with bipolar airs on Thursday 19 June, at 8pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Heston Blumenthal is one the world’s greatest chefs, with six Michelin stars to his name. Yet in 2023, Heston started experiencing hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, his behaviour so extreme, wife Melanie decided to have him sectioned.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Heston started taking medication that would sap his energy, extinguish his creativity, but, crucially, keep him alive.

This film follows Heston as he rebuilds his life and tries to understand the role bipolar played in his success and the impact it had on the people he loves. He also explores the woeful state of bipolar care in the UK. With exclusive access to Heston, his family and a wealth of archive, this is a personal and emotional exploration of a devastating mental health condition.

Dr Vince Mitchell, Lecturer in Health and Social Care at The Open University was the academic consultant for the series.

Before joining the OU, Vince was a registered mental health nurse with experience nursing people in various clinical settings. He has supported students on mental health modules and is involved in writing course materials for mental health modules at the university.

He said:

“It has been a positive experience working with the BBC production team as a mental health academic to ensure that the programme accurately represents the reality of living with bipolar disorder. Watching this programme will give viewers a fascinating insight into Heston’s own journey, as well as highlighting the experiences of others seeking support.”

This series was commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast and Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Languages, with particular relevance to R26 BA (Hons) Health and Social Care, R39 BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health), Q32 BA (Hons) Social Work (England), Q41 BA (Hons) Social Work (Scotland), Q42 BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales), Q96 BSc (Hons) Healthcare and Health Science, F78 MSc in Mental Health Science.

• Academic Consultant: Dr Vince Mitchell
• Media Fellow: Professor Erica Borgstrom
• Broadcast Project Manager: Poppy Ross
• Supporting Online Content: Matthew Ray

Visit our Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect, where you can find animated first-person accounts of bipolar episodes .  (NB: this site may not be live or complete prior to broadcast)