Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston has been hailed a ‘national treasure’ after releasing a hard-hitting anti-gambling advert.
The 61-year-old actor created a 15-minute video titled Stacking the Deck for the campaign End Gambling Ads.
During the video, he embarks on an investigation of legislation around gambling and gambling advertising in the UK and the argument that they drive people’s addiction – all with the aim of creating the perfect anti-ad.
The powerful video features interviews with experts and those personally impacted by the harms of gambling addiction, including Annie Ashton, an activist and campaigner whose husband died by suicide in 2021 after harbouring a secret gambling addiction.
Later, the 28 Days Later star meets with Joe Wade, CEO of ethical ad agency Don’t Panic, who broke down exactly how gambling adverts lure people in using relatable famous faces.
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‘There are either the sporting ones, which are generally around football. It tends to be a white working-class person fronting it,’ with Christopher acknowledging he ‘fits into that’ archetype.
‘It’s to appeal to a lookalike audience,’ Joe added.
Joe then discussed the more ‘glamorous’, ‘tuxedo-wearing’ style adverts which involve celebrities like Chris Rock, with the British actor sarcastically quipping: ‘He needs the money, he really needs the money.’
The 15-minute PSA ends with his anti-ad in which he leans into the white working-class man relatable aesthetic reminiscent of stars like Danny.
He ends it with a call for people to write to their MPs, encouraging them ‘to respond to the evidence and urgently start to restrict gambling advertising.’
Since posting his anti-ad, fans responded to him tackling such an important issue with honesty and frankness.
Are you struggling with a gambling addiction?
Around 138,000 people could be problem gambling according to Gambling Commission figures, with around a further 1.3 million people engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling.
The NHS provides specialist gambling treatment clinics across England that have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists there to support your mental health.
You can self-refer to a gambling clinic near you. Or you can ask a GP for information on services in your area.
There are also a number of charities dedicated to providing free and confidential help to those who need it.
The National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) – call 0808 8020 133 for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free information, support and counselling
GambleAware – the National Gambling Support Network service
Read more on the NHS website.
This was among wider comments heaping praise on the stage and screen star.
‘You’re genuinely a National Treasure Chris,’ walking-w shared. ‘I despise gambling adverts and can’t understand why it is allowed. Thanks, Chris,’ Lisa Bohlin agreed.
‘Gambling ads should be banned just like tobacco ads. They both destroy lives,’ Joepinewapples posted.
‘Love Chris! This has bothered me for so long and it’s great to see this from him. The advertising for gambling is unbelievable,’ Rose1charlie echoed.
‘This is wonderful. I’ve been disgusted with the level of advertising and promotions for years now.,’ stellywelly79 said.
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