This Morning stars Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have led heartfelt tributes to Matthew Lock, a beloved teenager who tragically took his own life at the age of 19. Matthew, who died on September 8, 2023, had been battling addiction and ADHD, issues that his parents are now raising awareness about. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of vacuum cleaners and mechanics, Matthew was a familiar face on the ITV show, where he first appeared in 2020.
On the April 17, 2025 episode of This Morning, hosts Alison and Dermot honored Matthew's memory by discussing his life with his parents, Richard and Christine. Dermot opened the segment by saying, "We are remembering one of our beloved This Morning family members today, 19-year-old Matthew Lock." He continued, reflecting on Matthew's contributions to the show: "Matthew first appeared on the show back in 2020 and charmed the pants off us with his enthusiasm and love for gadgets. We often had him review everything from vacuum cleaners to phone cases."
Alison added, "However, just over a year ago, Matthew tragically took his own life. His parents, Richard and Christine, have since been campaigning to raise awareness of ADHD and the increased suicide risk that comes with it." As they welcomed Matthew's parents onto the show, Alison expressed the deep affection the This Morning team had for their son, saying, "We absolutely adored your boy. We loved him, didn't we?" Dermot echoed her sentiments, stating, "He just had this passion and enthusiasm. He had funny bones, he was kind and he was caring. We didn't get to meet him an awful lot, we only met him a few times, but he was a breath of fresh air when he came into the studio."
Matthew's parents shared their memories of their son, with Richard describing him as a "real character" and Christine noting how much he loved coming to the show. Christine also revealed that Matthew adored his time on This Morning, further illustrating the joy he brought to those around him.
In the aftermath of his death, This Morning paid tribute to Matthew on social media, posting, "Everyone at This Morning is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Matty Lock, aged just 19. He was a delightful young man, a joy to work with and his passion for vacuum cleaners and general mechanics was infectious. His family came to the studio, and they were so proud that he'd turned a childhood hobby into a career. We will miss him and send our condolences to his family." Numerous ITV celebrities, including Craig Doyle, Rylan Clark, and Holly Willoughby, also mourned Matthew's loss when the news broke.
During the episode, Alison and Dermot spoke candidly with Matthew's parents about the challenges they faced. Christine shared that Matthew had been diagnosed with autism at a young age, but his ADHD symptoms were overlooked by professionals. She explained, "Lack of focus, inattention to things he wasn't interested in, disorganization, everything last minute. If he wanted to do something, 'I'll do it now.'" She also noted that while Matthew was very sociable, she suspected he might have ADHD as well, but they didn't realize that the two conditions could co-exist.
Alison highlighted a concerning statistic during the discussion, stating, "The craziest thing is that adults are three times more likely to use drugs or have a drug issue or alcohol. Our Matthew did struggle with that, didn't he?" Christine confirmed, saying, "From the age of about 17," while Richard contextualized the addiction issues, noting, "Within the ADHD, 50 percent of people find some sort of addiction - whether that be gambling, drugs, alcohol, social media. All of those things play into that. There are a lot of people who are struggling in that area, but they just don't know that it's linked to ADHD."
In a tragic turn of events, Matthew's death was officially determined as suicide in October 2023. The inquest revealed that prior to his passing, there were concerns regarding his drinking habits and ketamine use, with toxicology reports confirming these substances were found in his system. Christine and Richard Lock have since become advocates for mental health awareness, using their son's story to educate others about the risks associated with ADHD and addiction.
As they navigated their grief, the Locks expressed the importance of sharing their experiences. They hope that by speaking out, they can help other families facing similar challenges and shed light on the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and addiction. The conversation on This Morning served not only as a tribute to Matthew but also as a call to action for greater understanding and support for those struggling with mental health issues.
In the wake of Matthew's death, the This Morning team and many viewers have been left with a profound sense of loss. The young man, who had so much potential and enthusiasm for life, is remembered fondly by those who knew him. His story has sparked important discussions about mental health, addiction, and the need for increased awareness and support for conditions like ADHD.
As the segment concluded, Alison and Dermot reiterated their love for Matthew, encouraging viewers to reach out for help if they or someone they know is struggling. They highlighted resources available for mental health support, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their battles.
Matthew Lock's legacy will live on through the awareness his parents are raising, ensuring that his story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of mental health advocacy.
