Freddie Bentley, a TOWIE favorite, has spoken about how he battled alcohol and how he feels like he finally started living after drinking the substance three years ago.
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…
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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.
