The Apprentice finalist shares ‘darkest moments’ due to debilitating health battle

The Apprentice finalist Tré Lowe has reflected on his “darkest moments” due to his debilitating health battles over the years.

Lowe, who made it to the top five of the BBC One reality show in 2024, has tinnitus, derealisation, and Crohn’s disease.

Tinnitus is a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears often caused by exposure to loud noises, while derealisation is a feeling that makes people think the world is unreal or distorted, and Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed.

Lowe, 50, explained that he stopped seeing a “future for himself” after almost two decades of battling his “continuously worsening” health.

“I’ve lived a life of about 18 years where I didn’t quite give up, but my health was just continuously worsening,” the musician told The Sun.

Lowe, who found fame in the garage due The Architechs in the late 1990s, added: “I kind of was living life by if my health gets bad, I jump the building. That was kind of my mentality. So I almost didn’t see a future for myself at that point in the darkest times.

“I think that’s one reason why I postponed being a dad because I was like, ‘well, what’s the point? I may not be here. I may not be able to cope with these conditions.”

He revealed he has since “resolved” a lot of his health conditions and is set to become a first-time father at 50.

Lowe and his wife Enas Daeki, 34, announced in November that they are expecting a child, a year after they got married.

The TV personality spoke out about his tinnitus battle in an emotional Instagram post earlier this week.

“I’ve lived with tinnitus for 35 years. I’ve felt the full spectrum of emotions that come with it – frustration, despair, and at times, hopelessness,” he wrote.

“There was a long period where I believed that if my tinnitus and other health conditions got worse, at least I had the option to jump off a high building. That was my escape plan.

“Fortunately, I found the strength and understanding to master my tinnitus instead of letting it master me. I learned how my brain works – how to shift my focus, train my mind, and take control of my suffering.

“And in doing so, I became stronger than I ever imagined. People often ask me how I handled being on The Apprentice, dealing with high-pressure situations, difficult characters, and intense scrutiny. My answer is simple: If I can deal with tinnitus, everything else is a walk in the park.

“In a strange way, I’m grateful for tinnitus – it’s made me powerful. But I also know that millions of people are suffering right now don’t feel powerful at all. Many feel utterly hopeless, suicidal, and ignored.”

Sharing the post as part of Tinnitus Week, he urged sufferers to contact the charity, Tinnitus UK, for support.

Since appearing on The Apprentice, Lowe has launched Sobo Club, an events company for entrepreneurs, and runs a property business.

Earlier this week, the reality star announced he is returning to The Apprentice to act as a mentor for the current wave of candidates.

In a teaser from Thursday’s upcoming episode, he posted a video showing him at the keyboards alongside the contestants as they attempted to create a hit song.

“Buzzing for this episode! This time last year, I was in the boardroom as a contestant,” Lowe wrote.

“Now I’m back mentoring the next wave of entrepreneurs, showing them how to craft a hit song and step up under pressure.

“What makes this moment even more special? Doing it in the year of the 25th anniversary of Body Groove, a track that changed everything for me.

“To come full circle, sharing my music knowledge and mentoring these candidates as they navigate the competition, is an absolute privilege.”

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch