Inbetweeners star James Buckley reveals he’s stopped drinking after being diagnosed with genetic disease

Lauren Morris Tue, August 11, 2026 at 8:26 AM UTC

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The Inbetweeners star James Buckley has revealed that he’s been forced to give up alcohol and make major lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with a genetic disease.

The actor, 38, opened up about his health on the latest episode of his podcast with co-host and wife Clair, telling listeners that doctors told him that he had a high level of Lipoprotein(a) in his blood – and was therefore at a “high risk” of a cardiovascular incident.

Lipoprotein(a) is a cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein found in blood, the level of which is mostly inherited. High levels of it can increase the chances of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

Speaking on At Home With The Buckleys on Sunday (9 August), Buckley – who is best known for playing vulgar teenager Jay on The Inbetweeners, said that he’s been dealing with “health problems” after receiving blood test results.

James Buckley reveals he has a genetic disease (At Home With the Buckleys)

“I’ve got a genetic disease, mate,” he said. “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.’ I'm at a high risk now for a cardiovascular incident. My heart, my arteries. It’s not my fault.”

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Buckley added that since receiving the diagnosis, he has given up alcohol and stopped ordering takeaways – with his wife joining him in solidarity.

“I'm not a religious man, but sometimes I feel like there is a God that sort of goes, ‘That’ll teach you,’” he added. “I feel like I've been on this podcast slagging people off that don't drink, and now I’ve been told to try not drinking.

“But I'm going to have a beer soon. I’m just trying to do a little reset, especially after the tour.”

James Buckley with his wife Clair (Getty)

He also admitted that he fears for his kids when they’re older, as he may have passed down the high levels of lipoprotein(a). “Also, another little worry is that because it’s genetic, my children might have it,” he said.

Buckley married former glamour model Clair Meek in 2012, with the couple now parents to sons Harrison, 14, and Jude, 12, who were named after The Beatles’ George Harrison and the song “Hey Jude”.

While Buckley has appeared in comedies White Gold, Zapped and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping since finding fame on The Inbetweeners, he’s set to return to the Channel 4 show for a rebooted version on Netflix.

He’ll reportedly be reuniting with co-stars Simon Bird, Joe Thomas and Blake Harrison for the project, helmed by original creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”