Top Gear presenter Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff is to open up about his struggle with bulimia in a new BBC documentary.
"If this resonates with one person watching, or through this we can show someone that there is help out there, then this is worth doing," said the cricketer-turned-presenter.
Announcing Freddie Flintoff on Bulimia, the BBC said: "As a new recruit to the England side in 2001, under constant scrutiny from fans, the press and his colleagues, Flintoff felt pressure to keep his weight down. It was an obsession that soon evolved into full-blown bulimia as he tried to keep up with his slimmer, fitter teammates.
"What started as a quick fix solution soon spiralled into something he battled with through his entire career and which he hasn't fully dealt with to this day.
"Up to one in four people living with bulimia are men. Their numbers have more than doubled in the last decade - but it is estimated that only 10% seek professional help for this devastating illness."
"I would like to thank Freddie for opening up about his struggle with bulimia in this very personal film for BBC One," said Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content.
"I hope this film will raise awareness about a subject that is all too often a taboo and make a difference to the way men talk about mental health."
A transmission date has yet to be announced.
If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.
