TOWIE star Freddie Bentley has opened up about a terrifying health scare that left him fighting for his life. The reality TV personality was hospitalized after his liver failed during a holiday in the Dominican Republic in 2022, an ordeal that led to a rare disease diagnosis and a complete lifestyle overhaul.
Critical Condition and Diagnosis
Freddie, who was 24 at the time, experienced severe symptoms including vomiting and jaundice, turning his skin and eyes yellow. He spent six weeks in the hospital. On the official TOWIE podcast, You Alright, Hun?, he shared: "When I was 24, my liver failed. My bile ducts and my liver stopped working properly."
His liver function levels were alarmingly high. "A normal liver function level is meant to be, like, 125. Mine was 980. So, wow, I was critical," he said. The doctors were concerned, noting that a 24-year-old's liver should not be failing.
Rare Liver Disease Discovered
The health crisis led to a diagnosis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a rare liver disease causing chronic inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. Although PSC is genetic and unrelated to alcohol, Freddie acknowledged that heavy drinking worsened his symptoms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, PSC affects up to one in 10,000 people and involves scarring and narrowing of bile ducts, leading to liver damage and eventual loss of function.
Lifestyle Changes and Sobriety
After the scare, Freddie quit drinking completely. "So I have to look after my liver now obviously," he said. "So I don't drink." He added that he's "actually a nicer person without a drink."
Last year, he celebrated three years of sobriety on TOWIE, calling it "amazing" to speak his truth. He told OK! magazine: "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."
Reflecting on the process, he said: "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."
Freddie also shared a difficult experience in the hospital, feeling judged for his sexuality. "The doctors immediately jumped to assumptions about unprotected sex and it was the first time I felt truly belittled for my sexuality," he said. "That was difficult, but it also pushed me to become stronger."
