Former TOWIE star Harry Derbidge has opened up about his battle with an eating disorder, revealing that Olympic diver Tom Daley inspired his recovery. The 23-year-old, cousin of Amy Childs, said he used a photoshopped image of his face on Daley's body as motivation to gain weight.
Speaking on Loose Women, Derbidge explained that he was diagnosed with a food phobia as a teenager, which caused him to skip meals for days. At his lowest point, he weighed just seven stone, and his stomach had shrunk so much that he felt full after two bites of food.
Derbidge said he realised he needed to change after overhearing TOWIE fans comment on his appearance. 'I'd hear them say, "Oh, that boy needs a hamburger!"' he recalled. He then asked a friend to photoshop his face onto a picture of Tom Daley's body, which he set as his phone wallpaper, vowing to achieve a similar physique.
Sharing a before-and-after photo on Instagram, Derbidge wrote about his journey, thanking his family and friends for their support. He noted that eating disorders are less commonly discussed in men, but urged others to seek help. 'I am here to say it is ok,' he said.
Fans praised Derbidge for his honesty, with one commenting: 'You look amazing Harry. It's so kind of you to share your story and will undoubtedly help so many other male sufferers to seek help.'
