Married At First Sight star April Banbury’s heartbreaking health battle revealed after she nearly died from condition
MARRIED At First Sight star April Banbury has opened up on her heartbreaking health battle after she nearly died from anorexia.
The former Miss GB, 32, is part of the E4 show's new 2022 line-up and has her sights set on the perfect husband - after admitting men never chat her up.
April, who now works as a wedding dress designer, previously opened up to about her eating disorder turmoil which began aged 13.
She told the publication she put her disordered relationship with food down to the split of her parents when she was aged eight, causing feelings of rejection.
Raised by her Olympic sportsman father Ian and nan Dorothy, she said: "At my lowest point I weighed three-and-a-half stone.
"There’s a picture of me on a bicycle and I look so gaunt, I was in the worst place possible. Dad took that picture to show how bad it was.
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"It was very distressing for Dad and Nan. I ended up in hospital for over a week, I nearly died. That was the wake-up call I needed."
April, who has supported charity SEED Lancashire, told how she got back on track with expert help.
She added: "I was about 18, it was a long slow process. Anorexia is a mental disorder, a mind over matter thing.
"You have to train the mind to no longer play tricks and that food is no longer the enemy.
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“I’ve had counselling. I had so much therapy well into early adult life, Dad made sure I spoke to the therapist and had regular weight check-ins."
April has now advised any potential Married At First Sight husbands that they should like cheese if they want a chance at her hand in marriage.
The Londoner now follows the ethos "live everyday like it's your last."
Meanwhile MAFS bosses promise a "bigger and better" series running for longer, over a stint of 30 episodes.
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The Sun reported how the E4 dating show will return with a twist.
We told how after the newlyweds have said “I do” to a complete stranger at the altar, they will head off on a luxury honeymoon and move into a new apartment – but then be challenged to take part in Love or Hate Week.
