Strictly star Iwan Thomas marks a year of sobriety by sharing harrowing photo of himself
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Iwan Thomas has celebrated 12 months of sobriety and marked the milestone by sharing a harrowing photo at the height of his struggle. The Olympian, 51, revealed he is now a "better father and person" since getting sober.
He admitted he would turn to alcohol to feel "accepted" in social settings and detailed how he would "never drink for pleasure". Iwan, who competed on the BBC dance show in 2015, decided to share a photo of himself after a night of binge drinking.
In the distressing snap, the father-of-three could be seen laying next to a toilet as he passed out on the bathroom floor. Iwan candidly shared: "So I am a year sober and so proud, let me explain because it's the most awkward thing when people say 'Don't you want you want a drink why do you have an issue?'
"So I didn't think I did but I never drank for pleasure if I'm honest, I drank for acceptance. That might seem a bit weird to some people because I seem confident but I'd have to have four or five drinks in any social situation just to feel relaxed."
He continued: "But that wasn't great because I didn't have a switch and those four or five drinks led to shots, a crazy night and I'd have a two day hangover.
"The following week then I'd have anxiety, depression, self loathing. So I thought 'Stop does drinking make me a better dad?' No. 'Does not drinking make me a better dad?' You bet is does."
Iwan confessed his journey hasn't been straight forward as he missed drinking and the "short term buzz" it offered. However, he insisted he is much happier now without the negative effects on his life.
The TV star captioned his candid post: "Well today is a big milestone for me. Being sober isn't for everyone and it might not be for me forever.
"But at the moment it's how I'm choosing to live and if I'm honest I think it makes me a better person. I'm in no way trying to tell people how to live their lives, all I'm saying is I'm proud of myself."
Iwan was supported by his celebrity pals who congratulated him on the achievement. Loose Women's Denise Welch said: "Amazing!!" Harry Potter actor Oliver Phelps added: "Well done dude!"
Barbara Windsor's widow Scott Mitchell commented: "Just brilliant Iwan!!! Feel proud my friend!" The Chase's Mark Labbett also wrote: "Well done bud."
Iwan previously revealed Prince Harry played a vital role in his life during a challenging time. The athlete met the Duke of Sussex in 2016 at a Heads Together event, the mental health initiative set up alongside Prince William and Princess Kate.
He labelled the pivotal moment the "weirdest thing" as he stood alongside Harry flipping burgers. He said on Lorraine: "I was at a BBQ with Prince Harry and we were flipping burgers before I knew it I dropped a burger on the floor.
"We laughed and joked, I said: 'I'm going to say you did that'. He opened up about his issues and his struggles, I just thought if I can't be honest to a member of the Royal Family, who can I not be honest to?
"I just said: 'Listen, I've really really struggled' and for him, it really kind of opened the door for me to realise it's okay not to be okay and before because I came from a world where it was all about being physically and mentally big and strong, I felt I couldn't ask for help because I saw it was a weakness."
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk
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