Tom Fletcher, of McFly fame, made quite the impression on The Voice UK last year when he and his bandmate Danny Jones became the first duo to coach contestants from those iconic red chairs.

The 39-year-old musician first tasted fame in 2004 with McFly, but not before a near-miss audition for Busted, losing out to Charlie Simpson after Island Records decided on a trio format. Undeterred, he joined Busted's songwriting team before his meteoric rise to stardom with McFly. He has been candid about his mental health struggles, which have plagued him since his youth.

In a heartfelt chat with Fearne Cotton, he confessed: "Ever since I was a child, I've always been highly emotional. I'd feel excited one moment, then the polar opposite the next. But I think everyone just thought that's who I was," The Daily Record reports.

His experiences eventually led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a condition characterised by the NHS as causing extreme mood swings. However, according to OK! Magazine, Tom Fletcher faced more than just mood swings.

He admitted that during his early days in the limelight, his weight "became an issue," leading him to abstain from eating and rely solely on coffee.

During a particularly dark period, the pop star survived on a scant diet of just one fruit muffin and a cup of coffee daily, amounting to around 450 calories.

Reflecting on his past hardships and struggles with mental wellbeing, he confessed: "It was so unhealthy.

"I would struggle with down periods - I'm sure I was a nightmare to be with, but I kept much of it from [my wife] Giovanna. Like many men, quite often I would hide it from the people I was closest to.

"In late 2011, I watched a documentary by Stephen Fry called The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive. He shared his story of bipolar disorder and depression, and it sounded exactly like me. I just cried."

After reaching out for professional guidance, Tom was ultimately diagnosed with a condition. He revealed that he had not previously thought his challenges could be categorised as a clear-cut mental health disorder.

Once diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he trusted this information with his fellow band member Harry Judd, who felt it made "so much sense".

Tom further disclosed that since receiving his diagnosis, there's been a noticeable surge in conversations about mental health, driving home the point that "it's nothing to be ashamed of".