TOWIE favourite Freddie Bentley has spoken out about his horror battle with alcohol – and why he feels like he finally started living when he binned the booze 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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Hi Freddie! How are you?
I’m in a really good place. I’ve had the best summer I’ve had in forever. I’ve been here, there and everywhere. I feel very grateful.
You recently celebrated three years of sobriety and it was beautiful to watch on TOWIE. How did you feel?
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 made you want to go public with it?
It’s something I’ve always been proud of. I wanted to speak about it on such a big platform because I was 24 when I went sober and I’m now 27. For most young people, your twenties are about partying, and I wanted to be a voice of reason, to show that my life actually began when I became sober. It definitely didn’t end
Was there a pivotal moment?
Yeah, I was actually really poorly. For about three months I didn’t feel like myself and had constant back pain. The doctors couldn’t work out what was wrong. I went on holiday to the Dominican Republic with my family, and even though it was cocktails by the pool, I couldn’t hold alcohol down. I was constantly sick. On the flight home, Dad noticed my pupils were yellow. I was rushed to hospital and kept in for six weeks because I had jaundice and my liver was failing.
That sounds terrifying…
Yeah, a normal functioning liver enzyme level is around 125 U/L. Mine was 980. The doctors panicked and said I needed a transplant. I was diagnosed with a liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which basically means your bile ducts don’t function properly. There’s no cure, and eventually you need a transplant.
What happened then?
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 has been the most challenging aspect of giving up alcohol?
The first year was the hardest. You grieve your old life – the nights out, the social side, especially in this industry where you’re handed a glass of prosecco the minute you arrive at an event. I barely went out at first, I didn’t feel ready. But over time, I became comfortable in my own skin and now I enjoy everything even more.
Also, in hospital, I felt judged for being a gay man. The doctors immediately jumped to assumptions about unprotected sex and it was the first time I felt truly belittled for my sexuality. That was difficult, but it also pushed me to become stronger.
We saw you break down in tears on TOWIE recently. What was going on there?
I was going through something personal – a break-up with someone who was struggling with their own issues. It was heavy and I had no choice but to walk away. Because of filming limitations, not everything could be shown on screen, but that moment was real. I’d also had fallouts with people, so it all became overwhelming.
How do you deal with comments from trolls on social media?
Honestly? It’s water off a duck’s back. I’ve heard it all my life. I would be more concerned if people weren’t talking about me! Whether it’s positive or negative, it means I’m doing my job. I feel sorry for trolls. They must be going through things to project negativity like that.
Do you see yourself staying on TOWIE for the foreseeable?
Absolutely. I love it, it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I feel like I’ve brought a bit of that old-school energy back and I’ll be here for the long run.
What about your love life – what’s the situation right now?
I’m 100% single. My last break-up was traumatic and it taught me a lot. I’m super spiritual and I trust that the universe has my back. I’d be open to a relationship again, but only with the right person – someone who matches my energy and brings what I bring to the table.
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