This episode contains detailed discussion around mental health. If you or someone you know has been affected by anything you hear in this episode please contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or speak to your GP.James McVey is a musician, best known as the lead guitarist and songwriter of The Vamps, the hit boy band, with two-number 1 albums, multiple arena tours and their music has been streamed 6 billion times. Now James has released his first solo music, which came as an immense challenge after being forced to remain silent following surgery on his vocal chords. In this powerfully honest interview we talk about how James’ childhood shaped him, including overcoming bullying in his teens to issues around his body image.

S3 E5: The Vamps’ James Brittain-McVey: Disordered eating, anxiety and bullying: The hidden battles of a boy band star