EXCLUSIVE: TOWIE's Freddie Bentley left hospitalised saying 'my eyes were yellow, my liver was failing' liennhi
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…
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.
Pete Wicks' ex Kayla Wild claims the lothario was a 'cheating narcissist' as she encourages anyone dating him to 'run for the hills' after he confirmed Jowita Przystał romance liennhi
Pete Wicks' ex Kayla Wild has claimed that the lothario was a 'cheating narcissist' in a brutal new interview.
The OnlyFans model, 37, dated the podcaster and former Strictly star, 36, in 2011 before he found fame on
She also encouraged anyone currently dating him to 'run for the hills' after he confirmed his romance with Jowita Przystał last week.
Pete and Jowita were seen kissing on stage during the Staying Relevant live show but just days before he was seen also locking lips with a mystery blonde during a night out in London.
Speaking to The Sun, Kayla claims the bad behaviour he exhibited back then is still repeating itself with his more recent partners which include Jowita and Love Islander Maura Higgins.
She claimed Pete 'strung her along for a year' before taking her to a 'public place' to tell her he'd cheated so she 'couldn't make a fuss'.
Pete Wicks' ex Kayla Wild has claimed that the lothario was a 'cheating narcissist' in a brutal new interview
The OnlyFans model, 37, dated the podcaster and former Strictly star, 36, in 2011 before he found fame on TOWIE in 2015 and has claimed she was treated poorly
She claimed to the publication: 'I have never been surprised by the way he's treated so many women - because I know exactly what he is like.
'There were strong narcissistic traits back then. And he hasn't changed or evolved. He repeats the same patterns again and again.
'I would tell any woman who does think about dating him to run for the hills. Dating him is like being on the waltzers, it's a ride that makes you feel sick and he has the control of the button. Good luck on the loop de loop!'
She also described their 'cringe' sex life whilst he was still living at home with his mother and how she was surprised when he signed up for TOWIE after always claiming to be a 'private person'.
Pete was then linked to a string of women on the reality show including Jess Wright, Megan McKenna and Chloe Sims.
Kayla added that she 'holds no grudge' against Pete and is happy he has found success but that he should 'change his ways'.
A representative for Pete has been contacted by Daily Mail for comment.
It comes after just last week it was revealed that Pete wined and dined a mystery blonde during a night out in London - just days before confirming his relationship with Jowita.
She also encouraged anyone currently dating him to 'run for the hills' after he confirmed his romance with Jowita Przystał (seen) last week
Pete and Jowita were seen kissing on stage during the Staying Relevant live show but just days before he was seen also locking lips with a mystery blonde during a night out in London
Pete, who had previously played down any romantic attachment to his former Strictly Come Dancing partner, surprised fans by sharing three very passionate kisses with the Polish ballroom professional at London's O2 Arena on Friday evening.
The popular TV personality was hosting a live version of his Staying Relevant podcast with best friend Sam Thompson when Jowita joined him onstage to perform what would have been their Showdance, during which they appeared to confirm their romance.
But notorious lothario Pete had less familiar but equally intimate female company while dining out at The Maine Mayfair earlier that week.
Jowita didn't appear to be anywhere in sight as the reality TV regular shared a kiss with his blonde companion over a slap-up meal, in pictures obtained by The Sun.
A source told the publication: 'They were intimate the whole time. You would think they were alone. Pete and his date arrived about 8.30pm. It was very intimate and they seemed really giddy.
'At one point they disappeared midway through dinner for about 15 minutes. I think they thought they had the place to themselves.
'The waiters just left them to it and the band just played as they kissed like teenagers. There were lots of leftovers by the time we left about 11:00pm.'
Separate sources have since confirmed the TV personality is 'officially dating' Jowita, having grown close on Strictly Come Dancing - while he was rumoured to be in the early stages of a romance with Maura.
An insider told the Daily Mail: 'Pete and Jowita are now an item, they've been dating for a few weeks.
'They kept things professional on Strictly, there was no crossover with Maura. But once Pete was single they grew close again and recently the relationship has blossomed into something more.
'You could tell something is going on between them during their routine - it was extremely raunchy and dance partners don't usually kiss quite like that.'
The former TOWIE star sent fans into a frenzy when he shared a gushing tribute to Jowita in honour of her birthday last month, leading some to question whether the post was him 'hard launching' their romance.
Pete shared a sweet snap of himself and the ballroom professional in a dance studio on his Instagram Stories ahead of her return to Strictly Come Dancing.
He included a steamy dance floor snap, a close-up car selfie, a rehearsal snap, and several photos from their nights out together.
Alongside the post, he wrote 'It was never about dancing… it was about the person.
'Happy birthday @jowitaprzystal - I am so blessed and grateful to have you in my life. My pocket rocket (love heart emoji).'
Pete and Love Island star Maura were first linked in August last year, but the former couple went their separate ways in February.
She was later seen kissing married McFly star Danny Jones at the BRIT Awards.
Speaking to The Sun, Kayla claims the bad behaviour he exhibited back then is still repeating itself with his more recent partners which include Jowita and Love Islander Maura Higgins (seen)
At the time, the TV personality distanced himself from the drama this caused by going on his already planned luxury holiday to Dubai.
A source told the Daily Mail: 'Pete has moved on and couldn't care less about Maura. He feels indifferent about the drama currently surrounding her.
'He is focusing on himself and enjoying a break in the sun before getting back into work.'
The Daily Mail contacted a representative for further comment at the time.
