{"id":166974,"date":"2025-09-28T23:58:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T23:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/166974\/"},"modified":"2025-09-28T23:58:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T23:58:11","slug":"towies-freddie-bentley-left-hospitalised-saying-my-eyes-were-yellow-my-liver-was-failing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/166974\/","title":{"rendered":"TOWIE’s Freddie Bentley left hospitalised saying ‘my eyes were yellow, my liver was failing’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/p>\n

15:00, 28 Sep 2025Updated 15:33, 28 Sep 2025<\/p>\n

\"FreddieFreddie’s struggles with alcohol saw him desperately ill in hospital<\/p>\n

The Only Way Is Essex<\/a> star Freddie Bentley <\/a>was never going to be just another face in the Sugar Hut crowd. The 27-year-old, who first hit our screens in 2018 <\/a>on Channel 4<\/a> reality competition The Circle<\/a>, swiftly carved out a space for himself as one of the reality show’s most vibrant newcomers, bringing infectious humour, <\/a>vulnerability and, of course, plenty of drama with him.<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, Freddie marked three years of sobriety \u2013 a milestone he chose to share on the show in an emotional moment. His decision to give up alcohol<\/a> came after a terrifying health scare that saw him face possible liver failure. Here, Freddie opens up exclusively to OK! <\/a>about friendships and fallouts, and why he believes his life truly began when he quit the booze\u2026<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Sam Thompson jokes Pete Wicks is a ‘predator’ as new relationship drama unfolds<\/a>READ MORE: Maura Higgins stuns in jaw-dropping latex dress as ex Pete Wicks confirms new romance<\/a>\"FreddieFreddie, pictured with his ‘bestie’ Ella Rae Wise – has been to hell and back, but is finally ‘living’<\/p>\n

Hi Freddie! How are you?<\/p>\n

I\u2019m in a really good place. I\u2019ve had the best summer I\u2019ve had in forever. I\u2019ve been here, there and everywhere. I feel very grateful.<\/p>\n

You recently celebrated three years of sobriety and it was beautiful to watch on TOWIE. How did you feel?<\/p>\n

It was amazing to be able to speak my truth about my sobriety journey on TOWIE. <\/a>I think a lot of people don\u2019t know about me being sober. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

What made you want to go public with it?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s something I\u2019ve 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\u2019m 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\u2019t end<\/p>\n

Was there a pivotal moment?<\/p>\n

Yeah, I was actually really poorly. For about three months I didn\u2019t feel like myself and had constant back pain. The doctors couldn\u2019t 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\"FreddieFreddie is proud of being three years sober – and wants to help others who might be struggling(Image: Can Nguyen\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

That sounds terrifying\u2026<\/p>\n

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\u2019t function properly. There\u2019s no cure, and eventually you need a transplant.<\/p>\n

What happened then?<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 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, \u201cThis is a miracle case.\u201d Since then, I\u2019ve never drunk again and never would. I get a buzz out of being sober.<\/p>\n

What has been the most challenging aspect of giving up alcohol?<\/p>\n

The first year was the hardest. You grieve your old life \u2013 the nights out, the social side, especially in this industry where you\u2019re handed a glass of prosecco the minute you arrive at an event. I barely went out at first, I didn\u2019t feel ready. But over time, I became comfortable in my own skin and now I enjoy everything even more.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"FreddieThe 27-year-old believes he’s brought an ‘old-school energy’ to TOWIE(Image: Alan Chapman\/Dave Benett\/Getty I)<\/p>\n

We saw you break down in tears on TOWIE recently. What was going on there?<\/p>\n

I was going through something personal \u2013 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\u2019d also had fallouts with people, so it all became overwhelming.<\/p>\n

How do you deal with comments from trolls on social media?<\/p>\n

Honestly? It\u2019s water off a duck\u2019s back. I\u2019ve heard it all my life. I would be more concerned if people weren\u2019t talking about me! Whether it\u2019s positive or negative, it means I\u2019m doing my job. I feel sorry for trolls. They must be going through things to project negativity like that.<\/p>\n

Do you see yourself staying on TOWIE for the foreseeable?<\/p>\n

Absolutely. I love it, it\u2019s the best job I\u2019ve ever had. I feel like I\u2019ve brought a bit of that old-school energy back and I\u2019ll be here for the long run.<\/p>\n

What about your love life \u2013 what\u2019s the situation right now?<\/p>\n

I\u2019m 100% single. My last break-up was traumatic and it taught me a lot. I\u2019m super spiritual and I trust that the universe has my back. I\u2019d be open to a relationship again, but only with the right person \u2013 someone who matches my energy and brings what I bring to the table.<\/p>\n

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