James Buckley returned to work for the first time on Wednesday after revealing he has been diagnosed with a genetic condition.
The Inbetweeners star, 38, announced this week that he is at high risk of a cardiovascular incident due to his diagnosis.
He revealed that he was taken to hospital for severe dehydration after his blood tests revealed his risks come from him having high Lipoprotein(a), a genetically inherited type of blood cholesterol which promotes faster plaque buildup in arteries.
Just days after his health admission, James appeared in high-spirits as he filmed new scenes for Harlan Coben’s Netflix drama The Woods in Cheshire.
The actor, who is playing Lonnie Berger, was joined by his co-stars Michelle Keegan and Tom Bateman.
Michelle is playing Lucy Silverfield in the dark Netflix drama, while Tom will star as barrister Paul ‘Cope’ Copeland.
James Buckley (R) returned to work for the first time on Wednesday after revealing he has been diagnosed with a genetic condition
The Inbetweeners star, 38, announced this week that he is at high risk of a cardiovascular incident due to his diagnosis
Earlier this week, James’ wife Clair revealed the actor is still drinking, despite his promises to overhaul his lifestyle.
James made a staunch vow to embark on a healthier lifestyle – however, during Clair’s appearance on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X on Tuesday, she revealed her husband is still drinking and still going to the pub.
When Chris asked about her husband and booze, saying he ‘thought he wasn’t allowed to drink as he has been ill,’ Clair exclaimed: ‘He still drinks!… he did knock it on the head for a little while but he still goes to the pub.’
James’ reveal saw him explain he has the disease, which promotes plaque buildup in arteries, increases inflammation and increases the risk of blood clotting.
It affects roughly one in five people worldwide, typically presenting no physical symptoms until a cardiovascular event occurs.
He explained: ‘I’ve also had health problems as well. It’s something to do with my Lipoprotein(a), something to do with that. There’s nothing you can do about it, by the way. And the doctor’s just been like, “you need to change”.’
He claimed in his announcement that he has given up drinking for the time being and has also overhauled his diet. He went on: ‘I’m at a high risk now for a cardiovascular incident. My heart, my arteries…
‘I’m not a religious man, but sometimes I feel like there is a God that sort of goes “that’ll teach you.” I feel like I’ve been on this podcast slagging people off that don’t drink. Yeah, we have boring stuff.’
While he did admit: ‘But I’m going to have a beer soon’, Clair seemed keen to make it clear that he was still drinking amid his medical drama.
She told Chris: ‘I think he had his mum sending him a message saying “oh, I’ve got this sort of genetic thing.” And she was like “you need to get checked,” which he did and then they were like “yeah, no, you do have it so just try and be a bit healthier.”’
Just days after his health admission, James appeared in high-spirits as he filmed new scenes for Harlan Coben’s Netflix drama The Woods in Cheshire
The actor, who is playing Lonnie Berger, was joined by his co-stars Michelle Keegan and Tom Bateman
James and Michelle filmed tense scenes together on set
However, the co-stars were all smiles in between takes
Clair, meanwhile, spoke about her own health scare: ‘I got a little virus and it just apparently dehydrated me beyond belief. And I didn’t really know until it was time to go to hospital. But I’m all good now. I’ve been on the electrolytes for weeks now.’
When Chris probed further, she continued: ‘All I’ve got is some sort of virus. No, [I don’t think I’ve still got it]. I’m good. Come closer, it is fine!’
News of the couple’s health woes comes after reports that a new Inbetweeners movie is on the horizon – with all four core members of the cast set to return.
The show became an instant classic when it aired for three seasons between 2008 and 2010, with two film spinoffs made as well.
While there have been whispers in the past about a reboot, The Sun has now claimed that the four main actors – namely Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, Buckley and Blake Harrison – have all signed up to star in a third movie for Netflix.
However, the newspaper also said that streaming bosses aren’t satisfied with just the main men returning – they also want to see Emily Atack, 36, reprise her role as Charlotte ‘Big Jugs’ Hinchcliffe.
The move comes as a surprise after Emily was axed from The Inbetweeners reunion five years ago following a ‘past fling’ with James.
A source told the publication: ‘The creators of the show have written the script and are ready to roll – but Emily is one of the missing pieces in the project they’re keen to get in place.
Joe Thomas, Simon Bird, Buckley and Blake Harrison have all signed up to star in a third movie of The Inbetweeners for Netflix
‘Fans will already be delighted that the four main leads are returning as there was concern that a reboot might see new, younger actors cast in the roles of the lads, who were all supposed to be teenagers in the show.
‘But it’s fair to say getting Emily back would be the cherry on the Inbetweeners cake.’
The Sun added that all four of the main actors were ‘thrilled’ to be asked back, but noted that things would be a bit harder for Emily to commit to a reboot movie considering everything she’s got going on at the moment.
