Joe Wicks refused to have the ‘same destiny’ as his heroin addict dad but forgives him for chaotic childhood
JOE Wicks has opened up on his chaotic childhood after witnessing his father Gary struggle with a heroin addiction.
The Body Coach, 33, admitted he refused to let drug addiction become his "destiny" as he and older brother Nikki, 36, grew up.
"We weren't smoking weed, we were training, exercising and playing sport. Along the line, I decided that wasn't going to be my destiny – that wasn't going to be my path."
The fitness coach - who also has a younger brother called George - went on to reveal his dad was in and out of rehab throughout his childhood and credits his mum Raquela for teaching him “right and wrong."
However, he now has a great relationship with his father, who still battles with addiction.
Joe added: "Now, when my dad's going through a low period, I'm texting him and ringing him and asking how he is – I'm not judging him for being an addict.
"He'll always be an addict – he relapses all the time."
Joe continued: "Before you turn to binge eating, addiction, drugs or anti-depressants, try exercise.
"It's hard, my dad says the last thing he wants to do when he's going through his low points is exercise. But I say, 'Dad, you know how it makes you feel – you always feel better'."
Joe - who is a father to daughter Indie, one, and son Marley, three months, with his wife Rosie Jones - is currently holding 30-minute PE lessons every Monday to Friday amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
The lessons called "PE with Joe" are streamed live on Joe's YouTube channel at 9am.
The star has reportedly landed a children's book deal worth £1million following the success of his sessions.
An industry source told the : “Publishers know, with the huge success of being the nation’s PE teacher, he’s now a household name and they are desperate to tap him up to release his own range of children’s books in time for Christmas this year.
“He has become a very familiar face with thousands of kids and is to PE what Jamie Oliver was to school dinners. It’s gold to publishers and offers are already at £1million.”
The new venture comes days after the dad-of-two was offered a massive £3.3million deal with Tesco to create a new healthy meal range.
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