The Shame That Silenced Me For 30 Years: Strictly’s Ore Oduba “I’m Sharing This To Save My Children”

Nov 4, 2025

02:01:05

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Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba opens up about addiction for the first time - and the secret he’s carried for over 30 years.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and addiction.

In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Ore shares how he was first exposed at just nine years old - and the lifelong impact it had on his identity, confidence, and relationships. He also reflects on the emotional scars of growing up in fear, the silence he carried into adulthood, and the private battles behind his public success.

Ore shares:

◽ Why he lived in fear of his father for years

◽ How his upbringing shaped his confidence, his career - and his silence

◽ The grief of losing his father and sister in such a short space of time

◽ How he felt like he was dying inside - while living what looked like a “perfect” life

◽ How Strictly Come Dancing became his awakening

◽ Why the West End reignited his joy and love for performing

◽ Why he struggled to open up, even to those closest to him

◽ How he’s learning to rewrite the story for himself, and for his children

Ore Oduba, We Need To Talk.

If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below:

Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb

Naked Truth Project: https://g2ul0.app.link/JPSkS5mNZXb

Follow me here:

https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk

https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod

(00:00) Intro

(03:03) Growing Up in Dorset

(06:11) Black Identity in 1990s Dorset

(11:18) Childhood and Family Dynamics

(14:08) Did Ore Feel Loved?

(16:35) Early Love for Performing

(20:48) Starting Out in TV Presenting

(28:17) Ore on Newsround

(32:38) Handling Media Scrutiny

(34:22) Winning Strictly Come Dancing

(45:22) Life After Strictly

(47:41) Hiding Behind a Facade

(53:43) Relationship With His Brother

(1:03:30) Losing His Sister

(1:07:47) Mental Health and Identity

(1:12:35) Learning of His Father’s Death

(1:15:32) Ore’s 30-Year Addiction Struggle

(1:32:43) Adult Content Use Among Young People

(1:45:05) Message From Strictly’s Joanne Clifton

(1:47:25) Childhood Photo Surprise

(1:51:33) Most Memorable Moment

(1:55:33) Paul’s Takeaways