GOT MAD: 12 British TV Stars Who Descended Into Delusion

You don't lose your grip on reality overnight. You slip away slowly, one strange thought at a time. A singer setting fire to money on a Paris stage because he believed he was the new Jesus. A famous guitarist convinced his own bandmates were stealing his thoughts. A BBC presenter who told the nation he was a son of the Godhead, live on television. We watched these faces on our screens, polished and professional, while behind the camera something was quietly breaking. From Vince Taylor, Helen Flanagan, Monty Panesar, Poly Styrene, Jeremy Brett and Stephen Fry to Donald Crowhurst, Syd Barrett, Peter Green, Joe Meek, David Bowie and David Icke, these are twelve true stories told through their own words, the records of the time and the people who were there. Many of them were ill, not bad, and several found their way back. Which story surprised you most? Tell us in the comments. Like and subscribe for more true stories from British television. If anything in this video affects you, please talk to someone: in the UK, Samaritans are available day and night on 116 123. Note: A documentary retrospective made for historical, educational and entertainment purposes. All accounts are attributed to published sources and the subjects' own words. This is an independent channel, not connected to the BBC, ITV or any broadcaster.