Pop star Lily Allen has opened up about seeking professional help for a compulsive spending habit, which she describes as 'shopping like an insane person' in the wake of her latest album's success.
The Lavish Purchases of a 'Billionaire'
During a Christmas special of her 'Miss Me?' podcast with co-host Miquita Oliver, the 40-year-old singer detailed a series of extravagant purchases. She admitted to buying a £120,000 Porsche and a £16,500 Hermes handbag, convinced in the moment that she was a billionaire. Allen was also seen playing with a 'huge diamond and emerald ring' she bought as a present to mark the occasion.
'You've got to treat yourself and mark the moment,' Allen said. 'I'm convinced I'm a billionaire. Handbags have been bought, jewels and a car has been bought.'
Turning to EMDR Therapy for Help
Allen revealed she has been undergoing eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for the past four months to address the behaviour. According to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, EMDR is designed to help people process traumatic memories and associated negative feelings that can contribute to various issues.
Describing the treatment as 'life changing', Allen explained the process. 'If you're trying to stop a negative behaviour like spending or drug taking, you do the opposite and think of the good feeling and try and dissociate that feeling from your self-worth,' she said. She used the example of a handbag, working to separate the idea that 'this handbag is making me a better person.'
A Year of Personal Transformation
The confession comes after a turbulent period for the singer, who is the daughter of actor Keith Allen. She experienced a 'devastating' split from her husband, Stranger Things actor David Harbour, 50, at the end of 2024. In February, she also revealed she had undergone breast enhancement surgery for herself.
Her critically acclaimed album, 'West End Girl', released in October, details her recovery from the marriage breakdown. Recently, Allen has been linked to 28-year-old writer Jonah Freud, with the pair spotted kissing at a London Christmas party at Stringfellows nightclub last week.
