How To Fail With Elizabeth Day ON PANIC ATTACKS… With Jamie Laing and Fearne Cotton
Jan 19, 2026
Jamie Laing, a TV personality from Made in Chelsea, discusses his struggles with panic attacks during his rise to fame. He highlights how sudden celebrity status fueled his anxiety and identity confusion, ultimately leading him to seek purpose beyond wealth. Fearne Cotton, broadcaster and author, shares her ongoing battles with panic attacks and disordered eating, describing her past experiences with bulimia and the shame that accompanied it. Together, they emphasize the importance of normalizing these conversations to foster understanding and healing.
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Panic Attacks During Early Fame
- Jamie Laing experienced panic attacks for about a year after starting Made in Chelsea and felt trapped in his own body.
- He avoided telling people because admitting it would make it feel real and increase his shame.
Identity Confusion Amplifies Anxiety
- Jamie connects identity confusion in your twenties to mental-health struggles when life becomes unstable.
- Public exposure can amplify existing vulnerabilities even if the underlying issues predate fame.
Higher-Level Happiness Over Fame
- Jamie realised that lower-level goals like fame and wealth didn't bring lasting happiness.
- He found greater fulfillment through relationships, empathy, and a sense of purpose.
