Yahoo News Bake Off star Steph Blackwell opens up about suffering from an eating disorder
The Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell has opened up about suffering from an eating disorder in her teens.
During an appearance on Lorraine on Thursday (December 12), the 2019 Bake Off finalist revealed that she suffered from both anorexia and binge eating at the age of 17.
Related: The Great British Bake Off winner David Atherton explains why he came out at 29
Steph, who was largely considered the favourite to win this year's series of GBBO but had a bit of a tough time in the final, told Lorraine that she used her eating disorder as a way of 'controlling' her life.
"I'd use food as a bit of a scaffold. I really controlled my life with food and things that I could do quite easily," she said.
"When everything else felt completely out of control I used that as a way of dealing with things. It was a safety net."
Steph added: "I didn't go on Bake Off to be the next celebrity but having been given the platform I've been given, I've been so desperate to help other people put there.
"If I can help one person then..."
The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4.
Beat promotes awareness and understanding of eating disorders, also challenging inaccurate stereotypes and stigma. Find out more at Beat's website. Beat's helpline for those aged 18 and over is 0808 801 0677, and there's also a dedicated Youth line for those under 18 – 0808 801 0711.
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