John Junior
John Junior, also known as The Duckman, is a British mental health activist, actor, and TikTok creator. They are known for their appearance in the documentary series Hollyoaks: IRL. In November 2019, they founded the mental health movement "John and Charlie's Journey" to raise awareness about suicide and mental illness. They travel across the UK accompanied by a stuffed toy named Charlie, which they carry for comfort.
Background
Junior was born with Klinefelter syndrome and began experiencing mental health issues at the age of 11, including low mood and uncertainty about their gender identity. They identify as genderfluid.Personal life
In 2017, Junior was prescribed sertraline to treat depression and anxiety but stopped taking the medication during the coronavirus lockdown due to side effects.They now manage their mental health with exercise and meditation.In 2018, following the sudden death of their father from a heart attack, Junior experienced mental health difficulties, including substance misuse and suicidal ideation.They began daily use of alcohol and cocaine and were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in August 2019.
Junior lives with obsessive compulsive disorder, and it causes distress related to food, including a need to eat food using metal tongs. Their OCD has also contributed to suicidal thoughts.
Activism
In 2019, Junior began vlogging on Instagram about their experiences with mental health.In May 2020, they tested the Samaritans' self-help app during Mental Health Awareness Week. Junior shared their mental health struggles to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2020.
In November 2019, Junior launched the mental health movement "John and Charlie's Journey". Accompanied by Charlie the Duck, a stuffed toy, they encouraged open conversations about mental health.
In September 2020, Junior launched the DBT for ''All campaign'' to improve access to dialectical behaviour therapy through the NHS. The initiative received support from MP Esther McVey, who requested a parliamentary debate at Westminster Hall.
Junior was invited on stage by Keith Duffy of Boyzone and Brian McFadden of Westlife during a Boyzlife concert in Manchester to speak to about their mental health campaign.
Junior appeared on Sky News UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee in 2023, where he discussed concerns about emergency services handling mental health crises and the need for crisis and first aid training for police and ambulance staff in the United Kingdom. During the segment, he highlighted gaps in the system that could leave vulnerable individuals without appropriate support and advised contacting mental health charity, Samaritans for crisis support.
Hollyoaks
During the first UK COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, Junior experienced suicidal thoughts. They later credited a Hollyoaks suicide storyline with changing their mindset and encouraging them to seek support.In a BBC podcast, Junior and actor Ashley Taylor Dawson discussed a Hollyoaks suicide storyline that Junior credited with saving their life. Dawson who portrays Darren Osborne, was part of the storyline.
File:On stage at Royal television society awards NW - Nov 2022.jpg|thumb|Royal Television Society North West Awards. Jenny Powell, Richard Blackwood, John Junior, Charlie The Duck, Alan Toner, Adam Thomas and Ross Adams
In 2021, Channel 4 commissioned Lime Pictures to produce Hollyoaks: IRL, a series of short films featuring real-life stories. Junior appeared in the first episode, titled Hollyoaks Saved My Life, released on 16 June 2021. The series was nominated for the BAFTA TV award in the Short Form Programme category in 2022.
Junior was invited by Channel 4 to attend the British Academy Television Awards on 8 May 2022, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London. They were accompanied by Hollyoaks actors Vera Chok and Kieron Richardson.