Reaction from the field
Matt Willis, the former Busted member, has recently come forward about his significant struggles with vaping addiction, admitting that he has been ‘massively addicted’ to nicotine. This revelation has raised eyebrows, particularly as he has been concealing his habit from his three children: Isabelle, Ace, and Trixie. The stakes are high, as Willis has previously battled alcohol and drug addiction, making his current situation particularly concerning.
At 42 years old, Willis has a long history with nicotine, having started smoking at the tender age of 13 or 14. Despite his efforts to discourage his children from vaping—calling it ‘stupid’—he finds himself in a hypocritical position, grappling with his own addiction. “I’ve been very adamant to them that vaping is stupid and I’m secretly doing it. Like, it’s so hypocritical,” he confessed, highlighting the internal conflict he faces.
In his quest to quit vaping, Willis sought the expertise of neuroscientist TJ Power, hoping to find a way to overcome his addiction. He took significant steps, including disposing of his vapes and snus, demonstrating his commitment to change. However, the temptation proved too strong during a recent Busted concert, leading him to resume vaping. “I do want to quit vaping. It sounds like excuses, but the reason is that I like it, I really like nicotine, I’m massively addicted to it,” he stated, revealing the depth of his struggle.
Despite his setbacks, Willis has expressed a desire to move away from vaping altogether. He has switched to using snus and has stated, “So, I don’t plan on vaping again. I don’t want to do it anymore. I don’t want to have that in my life. It’s embarrassing. It’s terrible for you.” This determination reflects his awareness of the health risks associated with nicotine use, especially as a role model for his children.
Willis’s journey is not just about personal health; it also involves the well-being of his family. His candid discussions about addiction serve as a reminder of the challenges many face when trying to break free from substance dependence. As he prepares to appear on the TV show ‘Celebrity Sabotage’ on March 28, 2026, the public will be watching closely to see how he navigates his ongoing battle with addiction.
As he continues to confront his addiction, Willis has expressed remorse to TJ Power for not following through on his commitment to quit. “I’m really sorry, TJ. Just, I let you down and I didn’t follow through,” he admitted, showcasing the emotional toll that addiction can take on relationships and personal accountability.
The situation remains fluid, with Willis’s future actions and decisions likely to impact not only his health but also his family dynamics. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his next steps in overcoming this addiction and how he plans to address the hypocrisy he feels in front of his children. As he navigates this complex landscape, the hope is that he will find the support and strength needed to overcome his challenges once and for all.