Former EastEnders star Jake Wood celebrated 20 years of sobriety as he took to social media with an emotional New Year’s Day post on Monday.
The actor, 51, opened up about his past struggles with alcohol as he filmed himself from his hot tub while reflecting on life.
The soap star, who played Max Branning in the BBC soap from 2006 to 2021, wore a woolly hat as he enjoyed a cigar while sending an inspirational message to his followers.
Posting on Twitter, he said: ‘So I’m sat here in a hot tub, having a cigar, it’s pretty cool.
‘And just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I’ve got in my life. I’ve got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends. Everyone is happy and healthy.
Former EastEnders star Jake Wood celebrated 20 years of sobriety as he took to social media with an emotional New Year’s Day post on Monday
The soap star played Max Branning in the BBC soap from 2006 to 2021
‘Also, and I don’t really talk about this often, I just want to say that tonight I’m 20 years sober. [I] stopped drinking 20 years ago tonight and that changed my life in so many ways.
‘It’s immeasurable. So anyone on the same journey, I send you love and support, and if anyone’s struggling there’s help out there, alright?’
He signed off by saying: ‘You can do it. Love you guys. Happy New Year.’
Jake captioned the post: ‘I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey.
‘If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love & strength and a happy and healthy 2024.’
Jake was inundated with support from friends and fans, including some of his former co-stars.
Musician Nitin Sawhney wrote: ‘Congratulations and have a great new year, Jake.’
Danny Robbins, writer of West End production 2:22 A Ghost Story which Jake Wood has starred in, penned: ‘Well done Jake. Great achievement. Happy New Year. See you soon x’.
The actor, 51, opened up about his past struggles with alcohol as he filmed himself from his hot tub while reflecting on life
He said: ‘Just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I’ve got in my life. I’ve got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends’ (pictured in 2020)
Jake replied: ‘Thanks Danny. Much love to you & yours for a happy & productive 2024’.
Former co-star Heather Peace – who plays Eve Unwin in the soap, chimed: ‘HNY Jake & congratulations. Love to you & yours mate x’.
Jake replied: ‘Thanks. Much love back at ya’ alongside two heart emojis.
Another wrote: ‘Happy New Year. That’s a brilliant achievement. Love to you and the family x’ while another added: ‘Congratulations, Jake. Happy new year to you and yours x.’
Jake was inundated with support from friends and fans, including some of his former co-stars
