Towie’s Mike Hassini reveals mum was diagnosed with cancer and his nan died – just months after he was axed for drink-driving
TOWIE star Mike Hassini has revealed his heartache over his mum’s battle with cancer which was diagnosed just months after losing his nan.
The returning hunk opens up about his year from hell for the first time during an exclusive interview with The Sun’s Bizarre column in Marbella.
Mike was axed from the ITVBe show last August after being found guilty of drink-driving but now says he's turned his life around by quitting booze and partying.
He said: “It has been a difficult year. My mum has not been well.
“She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, my sister was hospitalised with septicaemia and my Nan passed away. A number of things have gone on.
“I wanted to change my life and focus and be more disciplined in myself and take my training and fitness more seriously. I have been focussing on that.”
Mike, who became known for his womanising ways, removed himself from the Essex party scene and gave up drinking in favour of fitness – as he even resisted hitting the clubs during filming in Marbella.
He explains: “It feels a lot different being back here.
“Firstly I am not drinking, before in Marbella it has been a massive party scene but I have been in a different place in my life.
“I haven’t had a drink the last six months. I’m not saying that I won’t ever drink again but I will certainly never go back to being a party boy and going out five times a week. It did me no good.
“I get up at 6am every day and go for a run. Then I head back to the gym for 9 and do my weight training.
“It isn’t just about looking good – it is more about me having a focus and discipline. The gym is my focus. My training is really intense but it keeps me mentally in a good place.”
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The star has taken solace in talking to co-star James Argent, who’s also suffered in the past with drink and drug use.
Arg is also set to return to the show this series – with Mike admitting that they have helped to support each other through their demons.
Mike said: “Arg and I have been there for each other.
“He’s had a similar experience. He first hand knows what it’s like. He’s helped me out and now he’s looking great too.
“We are both not drinking and it is much easier when you have someone to do it with. We help each other out.”
Mike, who regularly shows off the results of his gym regime by posing topless on Instagram, has issued a warning to newly single Dan Edgar over fears his hard-partying ways could get the better of him.
He said: “You may have called me a lothario in the past but now Dan is filling those shoes.
“Off screen he has been partying a lot and seeing a lot of girls. He smashed it up in Ibiza and is out until 8am in the morning. He’s partying and making the most of being newly single.”