The Only Way Is Essex star Freddie Bentley was never going to be just another face in the Sugar Hut crowd. The 27-year-old, who first hit our screens in 2018 on Channel 4 reality competition The Circle, swiftly carved out a space for himself as one of the reality show’s most vibrant newcomers, bringing infectious humour, vulnerability and, of course, plenty of drama with him.
Earlier this year, Freddie marked three years of sobriety – a milestone he chose to share on the show in an emotional moment. His decision to give up alcohol came after a terrifying health scare that saw him face possible liver failure. Here, Freddie opens up exclusively to OK! about friendships and fallouts, and why he believes his life truly began when he quit the booze…
READ MORE: Sam Thompson jokes Pete Wicks is a ‘predator’ as new relationship drama unfoldsREAD MORE: Maura Higgins stuns in jaw-dropping latex dress as ex Pete Wicks confirms new romance
Hello, Freddie! What’s up with you?
I’m doing a fantastic job. The summer I’ve had the best summer in a long time is amazing. I’ve traveled all over the place. I’m very appreciative.
You recently celebrated three years of sobriety, which TOWIE captured your beauty. What were your feelings?
It was amazing to be able to speak my truth about my sobriety journey on TOWIE. I think a lot of people don’t know about me being sober. It’s something I’ve really worked on and had my own personal journey with. It was a surreal moment to watch myself back, talking about it on the show. I feel honoured that they dedicated that segment to it.
What led you to decide to publicly share it?
I’ve always had a good sense of pride in it. Since I was 24 when I started drinking, I now have 27 and I wanted to talk about it on such a significant platform. Your twenties are about partying, and I wanted to be a reasoned person to show that my life actually started when I drank. Without a doubt, it didn’t come to an end.
A pivotal moment occurred, right?
Yes, I did incredibly poorly. I had back pain that lasted for about three months and was no longer feeling like myself. The doctors were unable to determine what was wrong. Even though it was cocktails by the pool, I couldn’t hold down the alcohol during our trip to the Dominican Republic. I was always ill. Dad noticed that my pupils were yellow on the way home. Because I had jaundice and a failing liver, I was taken to a hospital and kept there for six weeks.
That mutates enthralling…
Yes, a normal liver enzyme level ranges from 125 U/L to 125 U/L. Mine was 980. I was in a panic and the doctors said I needed a transplant. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver condition that basically means your bile ducts don’t work properly, has been identified in my case. There is no treatment, and a transplant will be necessary at some point.
Then what happened?
I was referred to the Royal Free Hospital and was under their care for years. They wanted to put me on trial drugs, but instead I chose to explore homeopathic routes – rapid transformational therapy, reflexology and spiritual healing. I know it sounds mad to some people, but after doing all this work on myself, my liver levels returned to normal. The doctor said, “This is a miracle case.” Since then, I’ve never drunk again and never would. I get a buzz out of being sober.
What aspect of giving up alcohol has been the most difficult?
The hardest part of the first year. You mourn your old life, especially in this industry where you are given a glass of prosecco upon arrival at an event, especially the social side of things. At first, I hardly ever left because I wasn’t ready. But over time, I developed a sense of self-worth, and I’ve grown even more enthusiastic about everything.
Additionally, I experienced discrimination while I was in the hospital. The doctors immediately made up their minds about unprotected sex, and this was the first time I experienced true belittlement for my sexuality. That was challenging, but it also gave me a greater sense of strength.
You recently experienced tears on TOWIE. What transpired there?
I was experiencing a personal breakup with a partner who was struggling with their own problems. I had no choice but to leave because it was so heavy. Not everything could be projected on screen due to filming restrictions, but that moment was real. It all became overwhelming because I’d also experienced fallout with people.
How do you respond to troll comments on social media?
Honestly, A duck’s back is watered off. It’s something I’ve heard it all my life. If people weren’t talking about me, I would be more worried! It indicates that I am performing my duties, whether they are positive or negative. Trolls are my enemy, I feel sorry. They must be putting in the necessary effort to spread that negativity.
Do you anticipate remaining a member of TOWIE forever?
Absolutely not. It’s the best job I’ve ever had, and I adore it. I think I’ve revived some of the old-school vibe, and I’ll be staying there for the long haul.
What’s the current state of your romantic life?
I’m 100% single. My most recent breakup wastraumatic and profoundly influenced by me. I have a lot of spirituality and know that the universe is watching over me. I’d be willing to start dating once more, but only with the right person who shares my enthusiasm and skills.
In Nuseirat, in the center of Gaza Strip, I was out in the street last Monday trying to get an internet signal, which has become almost impossible. We were forced to flee ten times as a result of the war’s third-place bombing of our home. I had just recently experienced a complete relapse.
Everything around me reminded me of the loss that had come my way, and my heart was sobbing.
When I finally connected, Italy’s videos, photos, and audio messages flooded my phone. I witnessed Palestinian flag waving and chanting together in solidarity in the streets. I observed faces displaying a mix of hope and anger, along with banners urging people to “Stop the War” and “Free Palestine.” We hear you, we support you, that’s what they were trying to say to us.
I was enthralled beyond belief.
For the first time in history, I witnessed pro-Palestinian demonstrations of such magnitude and impact. Italians reacted en masse to the call for a 24-hour strike by independent Italian unions. People demonstrated to us in more than 70 Italian municipalities that they were passionate about Gaza, that they supported our cause, and that they wanted the genocide to come to an end right away.
This was not a Muslim- or Arab-majority nation. The government of that country, which is opposed to recognizing a Palestinian state and continues to support Israel, was in the West. The Italians then made a gesture of solidarity with us as they left.
This mobilization demonstrates that Palestinians’ solidarity extends to people from all over the world, even in countries where political elites continue to support Israel. It does not only apply to those close to us or those with the same cultural background.
These Italian solidarity scenes in Gaza spanned the land, bringing a sigh of relief amid the rubble, hunger, and bombs. People were watching the Italian crowds as they forward these videos to chat apps with amazement. Many Palestinians’ faces were greeted with a rare smile as a result of these images and footage. The impression that the world is mobilizing to end the war persisted, despite the fact that we are not completely abandoned.
I’ve also been closely following the Sumud Flotilla’s movement toward Gaza over the past week. The delegation of 50 Italian citizens were under enormous pressure to disband under the Italian government. They resisted the majority of them, and they are currently boarding various ships heading our way.
On board the ship, some Italian journalists who were there also spoke to me and expressed their optimism and encouragement, assuring us that despite the distances and difficulties, we are not alone and that those who are fighting for us are still there.
I haven’t heard from Italy yet because of the protests and the flotilla. Two Italians, Pietro and Sara, and Fadi, a Palestinian living in Italy, reached out to me in June after reading some of my articles.
Their support extended beyond words, reaching out in tangible terms. They encouraged me to spread my writings so that more people could read them. They kept an eye on me, asking about my family and me, and eliciting hopeful and encouraging messages.
I managed to publish my personal story in the Italian newspaper Il Manifesto in August, sharing our suffering and resilience with thousands of readers.
Before the war, I had no idea what Italy was all about. I was aware of the country’s beautiful history, welcoming people, and charming people. But I never anticipated that Italians would show signs of support for Palestine and take to the streets in large numbers.
I admire and value the Italian people today. I truly felt that their involvement in protests, their personal support, and their involvement in initiatives like the Sumud Flotilla have truly changed my perception that global solidarity is more than just words.
I’m hoping to see similar demonstrations in other nations because I believe the world supports our right to life, liberty, and dignity.
We see you, we hear you, and you make our hearts sing with joy, to the Italian people and to all those who mobilized for Gaza.
Shirley Ballas has opened up about her experience of menopause, revealing that it left her in a very ‘dark place’. The Strictly star, 65, mentioned she initially lacked someone to confide in and felt completely misunderstood until a major wake-up call.
Speaking on ITV’s This Morning just yesterday, she said: “[It impacted me] terribly. Terribly, and no one to talk about it with. Eventually, I talked to my son because I really felt in a dark place.
“But my mother sailed through the menopause, and it wasn’t something from that era that they really talked about. But I got myself living in America, I was away from my mum at the time.”
Menopause occurs when your menstrual periods cease as a result of declining hormone levels. According to the NHS, it typically affects women aged 45 to 55, although it can occur earlier.
Some women may not experience menopause, while others may experience a range of physical and mental health issues. Increased anxiety, brain fog, hot flushes, sleep issues, heart palpitations, and other symptoms are a few examples.
She claimed that menopause caused her to feel “absolutely down and out,” which ultimately impacted her teaching career. A young man pulled her aside, completely altering her viewpoint, at the turning point.
No one seemed to understand me, to be honest. My teaching of “Shirley continued” was affected. Every day, I would go to work, and I learned a little more about everyone.
I was turned away when a lovely young man named Wrangel said, “I don’t know what is going on in your life, but this isn’t the teacher we are used to.”
That was a wake-up call, they said. Then, after speaking with my son, he had a doctor, and I began taking bioidentical hormones, and my life completely changed.
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic synthetic substances that are frequently derived from plants. They are designed to be used by the body similarly to natural hormones, which are particularly beneficial for those who experience hormonal imbalances.
Within the NHS, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is regulated to provide bioidentical hormones. These are structurally different from compounded bioidentical hormones, which are occasionally provided in private clinics but are not offered through the NHS. This is primarily due to the lack of clarity regarding their effectiveness or safety.
Cat Deely, a presenter on This Morning, also posed the question, “And it literally pulled you out of that darkness,” Shirley continued. Shirley responded, “Just to get my body balanced,” to this.
“So my body was severely imbalanced. And I now perform that annual check. I regularly check my hormone levels to make sure everything is working and functioning, even at the age of 65.