Alan Davies opens up on childhood abuse, addiction struggles, and finding healing through comedy

Alan Davies, the much-loved comedian and Jonathan Creek star, has revealed the painful truth behind his decades of success. Now 59, Davies is breaking the silence about years of abuse, trauma, and alcoholism that nearly destroyed him.

In his new memoir, White Male Stand-Up (out September 9, 2025), Davies recounts how childhood sexual abuse at the hands of his father shaped his life, career, and relationships. The abuse, which began when he was around eight years old, remained buried for decades. “It often takes men 20 to 25 years to speak about childhood abuse,” Davies admits, explaining that silence is often reinforced when it happens within families.

Davies lost his mother at age six and grew up in a household where he was dismissed as the “troublemaker.” He later realised that his quick wit and physical comedy were survival tools: a way to make people laugh, avoid danger, and cope with grief. But away from the stage, the pain resurfaced in destructive ways.

By the time Jonathan Creek made him a household name and panel shows like QI turned him into a familiar face, Davies was battling anger, depression, and heavy drinking. Fame magnified his inner turmoil. Public incidents, including a drunken altercation in 2012, made headlines, while private rows strained his relationships.

Yet Davies insists that speaking out has been a turning point. His first memoir, Just Ignore Him (2020), detailed his childhood trauma and was met with compassion from the public. Performing stand-up has also allowed him to connect with audiences who carry their own unspoken burdens. “Many people have bleak experiences that never get discussed. Comedy can give us a safe way to share them,” he reflects.

Today, Davies is in recovery, a devoted husband to Katie and father to three children. But he admits the battle is ongoing: “You’re never completely out of danger. The train is back on the tracks—but fingers crossed, everyone.”

His latest memoir doesn’t shy away from the darkness but celebrates the resilience, friendships, and comedy family that helped him survive. It is both a warning and a message of hope for those carrying trauma in silence.