At the age of 25 John Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome – since then he’s campaigned tirelessly, and he’s helped many young people with Tourette’s
A number of people heard “shouting” throughout the BAFTAs tonight which sparked confusion in the ceremony and for those watching along at home – but host Alan Cummings explained an audience-member with Tourette Syndrome was experiencing tics during the ceremony.
Throughout the ceremony, “shut the f**k up,” could be heard during a speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, as well as “f**k you,” when the directors of Arco won the Best Children’s and Family film.
Later in the evening, host Alan told the audience: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
So who was behind the outbursts?
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Who is John Davidson?
John Davidson first started noticing symptoms aged 12. These include outbursts, tics and swearing. At 16 he starred in the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad, as the cameras followed him around his home town of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.
It wasn’t until almost ten years later that John was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 25. Now 54, John has chosen to keep the spotlight on himself to highlight the condition which – and his story is being told in a new film I Swear.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
According to the NHS Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics). There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics. The main symptom of Tourette syndrome is tics. Tics can involve repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics) you do not choose to make and cannot control. Tics can be triggered by different things including stress, excitement or tiredness.
The inspiration behind I Swear
John is the inspiration behind the BAFTA nominated movie, I Swear, released last year. The British biographical drama film follows the true story of John Davidson, a Scottish man who became a prominent campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome awareness.
Directed by Kirk Jones, the film features performances from the wider Tourette’s community, including Andrea Bisset, to authentically portray life with the condition. The film was released in the UK on October 10, 2025, following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and focuses on Davidson’s life after the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad.
he production involved the wider Tourette’s community, featuring performances from real people with the condition to ensure an accurate representation of the experience.
The film has been described as a “brilliantly eye-opening” and “feelgood” film, with praise for its honest portrayal of the condition. The film is noted for its ability to raise awareness while providing a moving account of living with Tourette’s.
Awards won at tonight’s BAFTAs
I Swear star Robert Aramayo won best actor at this year’s Bafta awards. The actor, who depicted the life of John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome, was in tears as he collected his award, telling the crowd: “I honestly cannot believe this.”
Earlier in the evening, he also won the Bafta rising star award, given to up-and-coming actors. It marks the first time an actor or actress has won both categories in the same year.
I Swear won three awards tonight, with casting director Lauren Evans adding to its tally by winning best casting, describing the performance from Aramayo as “stellar.”
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