Jack Vidgen shares devastating personal news

Jack Vidgen – who first shot to fame at just 14 – has shared heartbreaking news with his fans after stepping back from social media.

Reality TV star Jack Vidgen has opened up about his devastating relapse as he continues to battle addiction, admitting he feels “a lot of shame”.

The 27-year-old – who rose to fame aged just 14 on Australia’s Got Talent in 2011 – posted an emotional video on Instagram on Boxing Day, in which he revealed that he had spent Christmas in a rehabilitation centre after being readmitted for the fifth time.

“I relapsed about three weeks ago and I’m back in rehab. It’s Boxing Day today, the day after Christmas and I just wanted to give you an update about where I’m at,” Vidgen said.

“I know I’ve been MIA on socials for a few weeks and that’s why. I don’t have a whole lot to say, I feel a lot of shame and guilt and I don’t really have the words right now.

“Withdrawals are starting now, it’s f**king hectic. So, that’s where I’m at.”

In the caption, he reiterated that it was “hard to find the words for how disappointed” he was in himself, and “the shame” he was feeling – but that he was “grateful to be in a safe space”.

“This is a really hard time of year for so many. Please hold each other tightly and check in on those you think may be struggling,” Vidgen urged his followers.

“I feel embarrassed to be posting this but also am committed to sharing my journey, even through the slip ups. Relapse is part of recovery.”

Jack Vidgen has made a devastating personal announcement. Picture: Instagram

His last rehab check-in was back in October, during which he’d also been upfront about the situation with his followers.

Explaining that he had been on a “five week long relapse”, the star said he had eventually realised he again needed professional help.

“As I write this I’m so terrified of judgement,” he wrote from his hospital bed at an undisclosed treatment facility.

“I’m terrified of what people will think, what they’ll say or whisper to each other if I pass them by on the street. I’ve been so scared, for years, of this thing that lives inside me which is my addiction.

“I just wanted to let you in a bit and let you know, I’m not OK. For years I’ve heard the saying ‘It’s OK not to be OK’ and never really known what the f**k that means. I feel like I’m somewhat understanding it now.

“I’ve been in a five week long relapse where I haven’t been able to come up for air. My addiction has been the biggest struggle of my life and I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy.”

He has previously spoken about his ongoing battle with addiction. Picture: Instagram

He has been to rehab five times. Picture: Instagram

In his honest post, Vidgen explained that he doesn’t know what “triggered” his relapse this time, but suffering the loss of two loved ones took a toll on him personally.

“I can’t quite put my finger on the pulse of what triggered my relapse this time,” he wrote.

“I had almost four months of complete sobriety up (which is a lot for me, the most I’ve had is six months over the last four years).

“I think it was just a snowball effect. I had a close friend of 13 years pass away, my uncle got sick and ended up passing away as well, I had a whole bunch of other stresses happening and I just don’t think I reached out for support as much as I needed to. Or even realised that I needed the support that I needed.”

After his winning turn on Australia’s Got Talent in 2011, Vidgen took some time out of the spotlight before returning in 2019 as a contestant on The Voice.

He later appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2021.