When Professor Green, born Stephen Manderson, sat down with Jamie Laing for the Great Company podcastLondon, he didn’t just talk about hits and tours. He laid bare a four‑decade‑long battle with discomfort, trauma, and an emerging awareness of neurodivergence. The conversation, recorded on October 16, 2023, also featured his ex‑wife Millie Mackintosh, a TV personality and fashion designer, whose own recent ADHD diagnosis added a new layer to their shared story.
Background: From Hackney Streets to Chart‑Topper
Born and raised in the gritty neighbourhood of Hackney, London, Manderson’s early years were marked by the absence of his father, who died when Stephen was still a child. Raised largely by his grandmother, he grew up in a household that juggled financial strain with emotional grief. Those formative experiences, he says, taught him to mask pain with humor and ambition—a survival strategy that later powered his breakout single “Read All About It.”
The Great Company Conversation
During the podcast, Laing steered the dialogue from music business anecdotes to the darker corners of Manderson’s personal life. The rapper confessed that his 2013 wedding at Babington House in Somerset was almost called off. “There was pressure,” he said, “and we weren’t good for each other at that time.” He added that there’s “no resentment” toward Mackintosh, describing her as “gorgeous” and acknowledging the complexity of their bond.
Unpacking a Trauma Bond
Both Manderson and Mackintosh received ADHD diagnoses years after their 2016 divorce. The pair now recognize a “trauma bond” forged by undiagnosed neurodivergent traits. “If there wasn’t that pressure, we may have never got married,” Green reflected. He explains that the constant search for external validation—common among untreated ADHD adults—kept them tangled in a cycle of dependence and misunderstanding.
Neurodivergence: ADHD and a Possible Autism Diagnosis
In late 2023, Manderson underwent a comprehensive assessment that flagged possible autism spectrum disorder. He described childhood rituals that now make sense: counting every word spoken in a room, tensing his bicep to mute sensory overload, and seeking out repetitive beats as a calming anchor. “It was my way of coping with overstimulation,” he admitted.
The rapper’s revelation aligns with recent research showing that up to 30% of adults in the UK with ADHD also meet criteria for autism, yet remain undiagnosed. By speaking openly, Green aims to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek professional support.
Why It Matters: Insights for Working‑Class Men
Manderson referenced sociologist Richard Reeves’s work on modern masculinity, noting that working‑class men often lack role models for emotional expression. “We’re lost because we never saw a dad who knew how to navigate feelings,” Green said, tying his own paternal void to a broader cultural pattern.
He argues that the stigma surrounding mental health in working‑class communities compounds the impact of undiagnosed conditions. When men feel pressured to “keep it together,” they may silently endure anxiety, depression, or relationship breakdowns for decades.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Self‑Care
Today, Professor Green is channeling his platform into advocacy. He’s collaborating with UK mental‑health charities to develop resources specifically for neurodivergent adults from working‑class backgrounds. He also emphasizes the importance of routine, therapy, and medication when appropriate.
“If sharing my story helps even one person to get a diagnosis or feel less alone, it’s worth the discomfort,” he affirmed. The rapper’s next album, slated for release in early 2025, is expected to weave these themes into its lyrics, offering a soundtrack for healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Professor Green’s neurodivergence affect his music?
He says the hyper‑focus associated with ADHD helped him write lyrics quickly, while sensory sensitivities influence his production choices, favoring layered beats that feel grounding. Understanding his neurodivergence has also allowed him to address mental‑health themes more authentically in his songs.
What is a "trauma bond" and why is it relevant here?
A trauma bond forms when two people rely on each other to survive emotional pain, often deepening attachment despite dysfunction. Green and Mackintosh discovered their bond stemmed from shared undiagnosed ADHD, which explained many misunderstandings during their marriage.
Why is the rapper’s story significant for working‑class men?
It highlights how lack of mental‑health resources and cultural expectations can hide neurodivergent conditions for decades. By speaking out, Green offers a relatable example that seeking diagnosis and help is a strength, not a weakness.
When did Professor Green receive his ADHD diagnosis?
He publicly disclosed the diagnosis in 2023, following a series of assessments that confirmed adult ADHD. Both he and Millie Mackintosh received their diagnoses around the same period.
What steps is Green taking to support others with similar struggles?
He’s partnering with UK charities to create workshops for neurodivergent adults, funding research into adult autism detection, and pledging a portion of his upcoming album royalties to mental‑health services targeting working‑class communities.