Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch has opened up about her insecurities in a heartfelt Instagram post, prompting an outpouring of support from fans who share her understanding. The social media star, whose real name is Sophie Hinchliffe, shared a before-and-after photo showing her dramatic weight loss over the years and reflected on her deeply personal journey.
Regret Over Gastric Band Surgery
The 36-year-old, who stands at 5ft 10in, admitted she has battled insecurities about her appearance for most of her life and regrets undergoing a gastric band operation at the age of 21. She explained that she has struggled to accept her height since her teenage years and has experienced significant weight fluctuations, ranging from a size 20 to a size 6.
Sophie wrote: 'I'm 5'10 so I'm tall and honestly, I have struggled to accept my height since I was 16. I've been a size 20 and I've been a size 6. I made a rushed decision to have a gastric band fitted when I was 21. And whilst it did its job, it wouldn't be something I'd do over again because of the lifelong complications I've been left with.'
She added: 'Regardless of my weight, I've never felt comfortable in my own skin. I pick apart my appearance daily. I also have a complicated relationship with food. And compliments? They still make me feel so incredibly awkward.'
Grief and Fear of Time
Sophie also opened up about the devastating impact of losing her father, Alan, who died suddenly in his sleep in April 2024 after suffering respiratory problems. She revealed that grief has left her with a 'fear of time,' constantly worrying about how much time people have left.
She wrote: 'I have developed a fear of time. Yes, time. Ever since losing my dad two years ago, I'm convinced my whole nervous system has changed. I'm constantly thinking about how long we all have left. I look at strangers and wonder how they seem so calm when none of us know what's around the corner.'
Unfinished Project with Her Father
The star cleaner also spoke about the guilt she still carries over an unfinished project she and her dad had been working on together at her £1.1 million Essex farmhouse. Before his death, Sophie and Alan had transformed one of the property's outbuildings into a workshop where he could enjoy his passion for woodworking. However, she admitted she has been unable to bring herself to enter the space since the day he died.
She said: 'Everything is exactly as we left it. Our project still sits unfinished, Dad's pen and fleece are where he left them. I don't even want the sawdust on the floor to be disturbed.'
Sophie ended her post by saying that losing her father changed her forever, leaving her feeling like a completely different person to the woman she was before.
Outpouring of Support
The emotional post prompted an outpouring of support from fans, many thanking her for speaking so openly about grief, body image, and the lasting challenges that can come with both. One user commented: 'I love this! You forgot to add you're just as beautiful and kind in real life as you are on social media.' Another added: 'I love this. Feel like I've been through so many similar things and it's nice to know people feel the same.' A third user said: 'And that's why I was meant to find you through your journey and so so grateful I did! I'd be lost without you.'
