A Personal Update From Me to You…

I like to think that, over the past decade and more, I’ve developed genuine friendships with many members of my audience. Names that immediately spring to mind include Lenny, Babs, Brian PC, Katie, Justin and many others.

We’ve been through a lot together. We’ve got water under the bridge, so to speak. We’ve got history, as I once said.

And that means something to me.

I’ve always tried to keep things real with my audience. I believe in transparency, honesty and telling it as I see it. So, in that spirit, I want to share a heartfelt personal update with you.

I’ll choose my words carefully, as I know how easily anything can be taken out of context or used against someone. But the truth is that, since the end of September, things have taken a turn for the worse.

In the run-up to late September, I ended my relationship with my magical, imaginary girlfriend. After nearly ten years, I decided that the stress and strain of my circumstances had simply become too much. Sometimes, difficult decisions have to be made, even when they come with their own emotional consequences.

That was followed shortly afterwards by the devastating loss of my niece, Abby.

Gone at just 33 years old, she has left a huge gap in our hearts. It’s a loss that continues to hurt, and one that our family is still trying to come to terms with.

Sadly, there simply wasn’t enough money to give Abby the traditional send-off we would have wanted, with the wider family all able to attend. Nevertheless, my sister and my eldest niece have said their goodbyes, and we take comfort in knowing that Abby lives on in our memories and in the hearts of everyone who loved her.

Some losses leave a silence that words can never quite fill.

And, if I’m being completely honest, I haven’t been coping particularly well.

I’m back on the Wacky-Baccy.

I know the arguments. Cannabis can make you dopey, unmotivated and less than sharp. I’m certainly not pretending otherwise. But, at the moment, I find myself reaching for something that helps me switch off from the pressures of everyday life. Perhaps it’s a way of dulling the edges of a situation that, at times, feels difficult to bear.

I’m not presenting that as a solution or recommending it to anyone else. I’m simply being honest about where I am right now.

And then, of course, comes the admission of which I’m almost ashamed to speak…

I’m paying the BBC TV Licence!

There, I’ve said it.

What can I tell you? I need Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors to get me through some of these difficult evenings.

And let’s not forget the terrible personal sacrifice of missing Wimbledon this year. That genuinely hurt!

So, yes, I’m back watching the BBC, and if I’m going to watch its television services, I’m rightly paying the licence fee. After everything else, a little escapism in front of the television doesn’t seem entirely unreasonable.

Who would have thought it? Back in front of the BBC, seeking comfort in celebrity dancing, psychological games and a bit of Eastenders!

Life really does have a sense of humour.

Things Change, Things Stay the Same…

And that, I suppose, sums up where I am at the moment.

Things have changed, and other things have stayed exactly the same. I’m dealing with personal loss, difficult decisions and the pressures of life, while trying to find some semblance of normality in the middle of it all.

And despite everything, I try to remind myself that there is always someone somewhere facing circumstances far worse than my own. It doesn’t make our individual struggles disappear, but it can help put things into perspective.

So, to everyone who has supported me, watched my videos, read my words, shared a laugh or simply stuck around over the years, thank you. Your presence and continued support mean more than you might realise.

I’d also like to wish all the best to Tommy Robinson, Danny Tommo, Russell Brand, and Lindsay and Craig Foreham. Whatever life throws at us, I hope things work out for the best for them, too.

As for me, I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other, doing what I can to get through the difficult days, and trying to find a little humour along the way.

And finally, in keeping with the spirit of complete transparency, I’m off to investigate whether medical cannabis might be an option for me!

Because, apparently, the next chapter of my life involves personal reflection, Strictly Come Dancing, The Traitors and a possible conversation about medicinal cannabis.

You really couldn’t make it up.

Thank you for listening, thank you for being there, and thank you for allowing me to be human.

Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.

— Matt Taylor