TV presenter Andrew Flintoff has thanked fans for their support after he opened up about his ongoing battle with bulimia in a new BBC One documentary.
In the candid show, the 42-year-old former cricket player said he had suffered from the eating disorder since being shamed for his appearance by the press at the start of his international career.
Flintoff, who now hosts Top Gear and features as a team captain on comedy panel show A League Of Their Own, thanked fans "for the amazing response" to Monday's documentary and explained how he hopes he has helped to "raise awareness of such an important subject."
Thankyou for the amazing response to tonight's doc , hopefully we’ve helped raise awareness of such an important subject ❤️
— Andrew Flintoff (@flintoff11) September 28, 2020
In Freddie Flintoff: Living With Bulimia, the star asks whether he needs professional help for the first time.
"I don't want to be a statistic," he said.
"I don't want it to be read that something has happened to me."
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Viewers took to social media to praise Flintoff for being "brave, humble and honest".
#FreddieFlintoff @flintoff11 brave, humble, honest. I think you will have helped many, family members and those struggling with similar issues. Sending love, strength and kindness to all those affected by these issues. Xx
— Jo Verdon Manga (@bored_of_mps) September 28, 2020
Another poster hailed the documentary as being "interesting and insightful".
Such an interesting, insightful and brave documentary from #FreddieFlintoff on male bulimia/ eating disorders, hope he continued with the professional treatment and help. I'm sure he would have inspired other guys to talk.
— victoria hawke (@vickyhawke) September 28, 2020
Patricia McNally said the ex sportsman has "helped so many people especially men".
Brilliant documentary Freddie you will have helped so many people especially men good luck for the future #FreddieFlintoff
— Patricia McNally (@Patrici83503777) September 28, 2020
One viewer said the show is "one of the most important programmes you will ever watch".
After 10 minutes I can tell this is one of the most important programmes you will ever watch. Hard hitting, honest, emotional, and educational.#FreddieFlintoff #LivingWithBulimia
— Adam Fare (@adamfare1996) September 28, 2020
Flintoff first revealed he had suffered from bulimia in 2014, but said he never sought help with the issue until filming this documentary.
