Latest news with #AlexGeorge
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island's Alex George reveals he has regular Botox after tragedy triggered freak condition… & admits ‘people stare'
The reality star, who also piled on 6st at his lowest ebb, has bravely opened up about how he copes with his demons DEALING WITH DEMONS Love Island's Alex George reveals he has regular Botox after tragedy triggered freak condition… & admits 'people stare' LOVE Island star Dr Alex George has bravely opened up about why he has regular Botox injections in his face. The 34-year-old, who featured in the fourth series of the ITV reality show in 2018, suffered an unimaginable tragedy five years ago. 8 Dr Alex featured on the fourth series of Love Island Credit: Rex 8 Alex's brother Llyr sadly died by suicide aged 19 His younger brother Llyr, also an aspiring doctor, took his own life aged 19 in 2020, leaving Alex and his family devastated. The sudden loss saw Alex struggle with PTSD, battle depression and pile on six stone. But he also developed facial tics, which become worse when he is anxious. Bravely opening up about how he copes with his demons, the Welsh doctor admitted he feels self-conscious of his involuntary movements, especially when people stare, and manages them with Botox injections. "In my life there has been things that happened out of the blue that ended up being very difficult for me," he said. 'Bad things that then have made me very hyper vigilant. 'I have PTSD. I have had tics since I was very young - maybe eight or nine. 'They are linked to my neurodivergence, my ADHD, there is quite a lot of crossover. 'Interestingly when I am really anxious my tics get really bad, they get so much worse. 'Problem is, the more I focus on it the worse it is. If you bring attention to it, it just gets worse and worse. Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up 'I think: 'Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it.' 'I've had Botox in my face to knock my tics out - it used to give me such bad headaches and facial pain so I just Botox it out. 'Maybe I should just stop it and just allow it. But I haven't quite got to that stage of it." He added: 'People do stare at you. They look at you. 'Mine are my forehead and my nose. Because I can't Botox this area out, I still twitch a lot around my nose, mouth and lip. 'People who know me can see the twitch, they can see the tic, they know it is there. 'I have it a little bit in my arm as well, and my wrist. I roll my wrist and stuff. 'When you focus on it in a negative sense it just becomes worse and that feeds the anxiety of it as well.' 8 Following his brothers death, Alex's weight soared from 14 to 20 stone Credit: dralexgeorge/Instagram 8 Alex has since shed the weight by quitting booze and taking up running Credit: Instagram 8 Alex had a brief relationship with Alexandra Cane during his time on the show Credit: ITV/REX At his lowest ebb, Alex turned to drinking heavily in a bid to numb the pain. His weight soared from 14st to 20st, but he has since shed the pounds by overhauling his lifestyle, quitting booze for good and taking up running. Alex also started taking anti-depressants and launched his campaign 'Post Your Pill' to remove the stigma and shame surrounding the medication. And he got three inspirational tattoos, including one on his left wrist that says 'This too shall pass.' Gut-wrenching phone call Although Alex and Llyr were born ten years apart, they were very close. Alex even chose his brother's unusual name, which means God of the Sea in Welsh. Llyr was due to take up his hard won place at Southampton Medical School when he died. He had no prior history of a diagnosed mental health condition, and had not disclosed how he was feeling. Speaking on his new motivational health podcast Stompcast, Alex added how Llyr's death has changed his own outlook on life. 'My brother was alive one second, we had a phone call, and he is not here any more," he said. 'That is what I am looking out for in everything - my brain is going, 'You weren't prepared, and something really bad happened'. 8 Alex has been open about taking anti-depressants Credit: Instagram 8 After Love Island Alex dated Amelia Bath, but it appears he is currently single Credit: Instagram 'So looking in any situation, 'What is the bad thing here?' 'And it is odd because when I was growing up, I was quite impulsive, I would go for life and do everything. 'Jump now and worry later, and I am so different to that now - since that happened. 'My mum often says, 'That boy within you, I used to say, slow down, think about this twice. It is a shame that has been dwindled a bit'. 'There is this constant need to be sure that everything is going to be ok. You can't.' Former A&E doctor Alex failed to find love in the TV villa, despite a brief fling with brunette beauty Alexandra Cane. My brother was alive one second, we had a phone call, and he is not here any more Dr Alex George Since his stint on the matchmaking show he has gone on to become a mental health advocate, and in 2021 he became the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador. He said: 'It was really interesting that when I was in med school, the med student's anxiety around health is really common - especially in the first couple of years, you start doing these cases of a new bodily system and disease associated with it. 'Every week I would be like, 'Oh my God I've got it.' 'I think I had every single disease in the first two years - seriously I would have to be like, 'Alex, stop, you are being silly'. 'By the third or fourth year I could have anything, so I stopped worrying about it. 'Everything could kill me, so whatever.' You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island's Alex George reveals he has regular Botox after tragedy triggered freak condition… & admits ‘people stare'
LOVE Island star Dr Alex George has bravely opened up about why he has regular Botox injections in his face. The 34-year-old, who featured in the fourth series of the ITV reality show in 2018, suffered an unimaginable tragedy five years ago. 8 8 His younger brother Llyr, also an aspiring doctor, took his own life aged 19 in 2020, leaving Alex and his family devastated. The sudden loss saw Alex struggle with PTSD, battle depression and pile on six stone. But he also developed facial tics, which become worse when he is anxious. Bravely opening up about how he copes with his demons, the Welsh doctor admitted he feels self-conscious of his involuntary movements, especially when people stare, and manages them with Botox injections. "In my life there has been things that happened out of the blue that ended up being very difficult for me," he said. 'Bad things that then have made me very hyper vigilant. 'I have PTSD. I have had tics since I was very young - maybe eight or nine. 'They are linked to my neurodivergence, my ADHD, there is quite a lot of crossover. 'Interestingly when I am really anxious my tics get really bad, they get so much worse. 'Problem is, the more I focus on it the worse it is. If you bring attention to it, it just gets worse and worse. 'I think: 'Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it.' 'I've had Botox in my face to knock my tics out - it used to give me such bad headaches and facial pain so I just Botox it out. 'Maybe I should just stop it and just allow it. But I haven't quite got to that stage of it." He added: 'People do stare at you. They look at you. 'Mine are my forehead and my nose. Because I can't Botox this area out, I still twitch a lot around my nose, mouth and lip. 'People who know me can see the twitch, they can see the tic, they know it is there. 'I have it a little bit in my arm as well, and my wrist. I roll my wrist and stuff. 'When you focus on it in a negative sense it just becomes worse and that feeds the anxiety of it as well.' 8 8 At his lowest ebb, Alex turned to drinking heavily in a bid to numb the pain. His weight soared from 14st to 20st, but he has since shed the pounds by overhauling his lifestyle, quitting booze for good and taking up running. Alex also started taking anti-depressants and launched his campaign 'Post Your Pill' to remove the stigma and shame surrounding the medication. And he got three inspirational tattoos, including one on his left wrist that says 'This too shall pass.' Gut-wrenching phone call Although Alex and Llyr were born ten years apart, they were very close. Alex even chose his brother's unusual name, which means God of the Sea in Welsh. Llyr was due to take up his hard won place at Southampton Medical School when he died. He had no prior history of a diagnosed mental health condition, and had not disclosed how he was feeling. Speaking on his new motivational health podcast Stompcast, Alex added how Llyr's death has changed his own outlook on life. 'My brother was alive one second, we had a phone call, and he is not here any more," he said. 'That is what I am looking out for in everything - my brain is going, 'You weren't prepared, and something really bad happened'. 8 8 'So looking in any situation, 'What is the bad thing here?' 'And it is odd because when I was growing up, I was quite impulsive, I would go for life and do everything. 'Jump now and worry later, and I am so different to that now - since that happened. 'My mum often says, 'That boy within you, I used to say, slow down, think about this twice. It is a shame that has been dwindled a bit'. 'There is this constant need to be sure that everything is going to be ok. You can't.' Former A&E doctor Alex failed to find love in the TV villa, despite a brief fling with brunette beauty Alexandra Cane. Since his stint on the matchmaking show he has gone on to become a mental health advocate, and in 2021 he became the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador. He said: 'It was really interesting that when I was in med school, the med student's anxiety around health is really common - especially in the first couple of years, you start doing these cases of a new bodily system and disease associated with it. 'Every week I would be like, 'Oh my God I've got it.' 'I think I had every single disease in the first two years - seriously I would have to be like, 'Alex, stop, you are being silly'. 'By the third or fourth year I could have anything, so I stopped worrying about it. 'Everything could kill me, so whatever.' You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. 8
West Australian
4 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Gardeners given helping hand to get banksias and undergrowth growing with native seedling giveaway
Gardeners have been given a helping hand to get banksias and undergrowth in the ground with the Peel Harvey Catchment Council's native seedling giveaway in Lake Clifton. The community was out in force last month to collect a bounty of native plants from the conservation group as part of the annual giveaway. Along with the giveaway, there were displays from some of the region's leading environmental groups, including the Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group and the Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group. The event also had a special talk from renowned Australian botanist Alex George, the author of several books about banksias. PHCC coordinator of land conservation Corrine Duncan said the banksia and tuart woodlands, which are endemic to the region, are vulnerable. 'This is a threatened ecological community, which means that it's rare and it's declining very rapidly,' she said. 'Because of that, we're also losing a lot of native species that depend on these trees, ringtail possums, for example, so it's really critical that we keep getting these seedlings back in the landscape here. 'And, because we have such a high rabbit (population) here, they're decimating seedlings that grow naturally, so by putting these back in the landscape, protecting them with tree guards, we hope that we can start bringing back that understorey and ecological values.' Ms Duncan said it was their seventh time running the event, which had grown year by year. 'It's really important for us to keep reinvigorating the community and to keep the community connected and inspired, to keep going with restoration,' she said.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Genetic study unveils key role of IRF6 gene in orofacial clefts
A genetic research initiative led by the Jubilee Centre for Medical Research (JCMR), Thrissur, has made a significant leap in understanding the genetic underpinnings of orofacial clefts in the Kerala population. Led by Dr. Alex George, Scientist at JCMR, and inspired by the visionary work of the late Dr. H.S. Adenwalla, the study is a comprehensive exploration of the IRF6 gene's role in non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFC) in the State. The research, conducted in partnership with the Charles Pinto Centre for Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies, is funded by Smile Train India. It includes two landmark studies recently published in reputed scientific journals. Both studies reinforce the crucial involvement of the IRF6 gene in the development of orofacial clefts and offer valuable insights into how genetic inheritance can influence susceptibility. 'The first study, published in the February 2025 issue of Archives of Oral Biology, employed an advanced trio-based analysis. This method investigated the inheritance patterns of IRF6 gene variants from parents to children among families affected by non-syndromic cleft lip with or without palate in Kerala,' says Dr. Alex George. Notably, this research uncovered a significant association of IRF6 polymorphisms with paternal transmission for variant rs2235371 and maternal transmission for rs7552506, providing insights into genetic inheritance patterns that influence susceptibility, he added. The second study, published in Gene (March 2025), utilised a case-control approach involving five distinct IRF6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study identified specific genetic markers that are strongly associated with either an increased risk or protective effect against developing orofacial clefts. 'Scientifically, the research sheds light on the complex interplay of gene-by-gene and gene-by-environment interactions, opening doors to personalised genetic screening, early counselling, and potential targeted interventions. For the public, the takeaway is simple: a child's facial development is intricately linked to genetic makeup, and understanding these links is crucial for better healthcare strategies,' Dr Alex George pointed out. The lead author of the studies Reema Rose Alappat, CSIR-Senior Research Fellow, has made an outstanding contribution through her PhD research. Co-authors include Dr. Narayanan PV (Chief Consultant, HS Adenwalla Institute of Cleft Lip and Palate), Dr. P R Varghese (Research Coordinator and Scientist F, JCMR), and Dr. Sunish Kadayil Sachith (Associate Professor, Maharajas College Ernakulam). This pioneering research has been funded by Smile Train India and CSIR India, with financial backing exceeding ₹1 crore, demonstrating the potential of local research initiatives to achieve globally relevant healthcare advancements. These studies symbolise a collective commitment to the Orofacial cleft community deepening global understanding of IRF6 and moving towards a future where such conditions are better understood, prevented, and managed.
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Love Island's Dr Alex George reveals he struggled with 'dark times' before diagnosis
Former Love Island star Dr Alex George has bravely revealed an insight into his mental health, admitting he's experienced 'dark times' but believe's he's on the right path Doctor Alex George has shared a candid admission about his mental health struggles. The former emergency department doctor who found fame on Love Island grew up with undiagnosed ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and was one of thousands of adults diagnosed later in life. The NHS states that people with ADHD often suffer from conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction or learning difficulties including dyslexia. This is something that the 34-year-old is all too aware of. Dr Alex has spoken openly about his own struggles with depression and being prescribed anti-depressants. "I've had some really dark times," Alex exclusively told the Mirror. He went on to add: "I've been open about that in recent years. I think for someone that grew up with undiagnosed ADHD, I was only diagnosed a couple of years ago, I think it's probably not that surprising. "ADHD is not a mental illness, it's a Neurodevelopment disorder, of course people with ADHD are so much more likely to struggle with things like alcohol or with anxiety and depression, all these things because of their experience moving in the neurotypical world effectively. "Growing up, it wasn't the easiest to be honest and then, obviously, later in life, things happen in your life that are really hard. The pandemic was tough – I was working in Lewisham hospital and it was tough, we were hit really hard. I saw a lot of difficult things, many things I wouldn't necessarily talk about but that was hard." But while people rejoiced after coming out of the coronavirus lockdown periods and being allowed to see friends and family again, tragedy hit for Dr Alex. On July 23, 2020, Dr Alex's world changed following the death of his younger brother, Llŷr, who took his own life. Dr Alex previously described his brother as "the kindest and most caring soul." Just one month later, Llŷr was due to start medical school, with Alex saying he would have been the "most incredible doctor." "We finally got through and my brother takes his own life," Alex bravely said. He added: "That kind of pain that you feel when someone switches the light off is unbelievable and I didn't think that pain existed at that level of depth. I didn't think you could experience pain in such a physical way as it was in those first hours, days or weeks." Alex commented "we're human beings, we're not robots". He added: "I'm actually back on anti-depressants, I've been on them for a couple of months because I had a really bad run into the end of last year, I was really struggling. I'm definitely feeling better now." But while Alex is in a better headspace, he's not fully where he wants to be but is on the right path. He said: "You can't shed the things that have happened in your life or that you've experienced – you've got to kind of learn to live with it," adding that he's going to be managing his mental health and grief but is attempting to "live as much" of his days happy. Men make up just 36 per cent of patients who are referred for talking therapies across the NHS, according to the Mental Health Foundation. Alex said: "Opening up ins't a weakness, getting help is something that is not something you should be ashamed of. We lose so many men because they feel there's no other option. I think we lose so many men because they would rather take their own life than ask for help and I think that's a very sad point. "If you look at my brother, for example, that's what we're talking about – 'Do I ask for help? Or do I make this permanent decision that's irreversible?' I think we have to change that - education at schools, helping young men realise that emotional vulnerability is a strength, reducing shame and stigma, all these things will make a massive difference to their lives really." One thing that helped Alex and made a difference to his life was returning to medicine after appearing on Love Island. While some follow brand deals, Dr Alex was back on the front line in no time. "It helped really ground me," he said. He added: "Being on reality TV, it reminded me of I am, where I came from, gave me purpose again, I feel really glad, it's one of the best decisions I made." But he admits that while he does look back and wonder what would have happened if he turned his back on his career, he's "glad" he chose the career that gave him fulfilment. Yesterday, Dr Alex took part in the London Marathon – which he explained was going to be an "emotional day" but was powered by the thousands of people who lined the streets. However, the day had a special place in Alex's heart after his run for the Anthony Nolan trust, helping to save lives as well as improve the lives of those living with blood cancer and blood disorders. "Just over ten years ago, my friend Freya Barlow, who was a medical student and good friend of mine, she was diagnosed with leukaemia," Alex said, before explaining that Freya underwent intensive treatment including chemotherapy during her exams. He went on to explain that despite having a bone marrow transplant, the cancer came back. Freya had done a half marathon when she was recovering, "typical of Freya," Dr Alex joked. During her recovery, Alex and Freya agreed that they would run the London marathon together. But heartbreakingly, he shared that when Freya became terminally unwell, she asked him to take on the challenge as she was unable to do it. "Ten years later, I'm keeping the promise, it's going to be a day of managing that," he said. He added: "It'll be a big day, hopefully a happy day but it will also a full circle from a couple of years ago, being 20 stone and really unhealthy to running a marathon, it is something that I'd be proud of, I think." Dr Alex has teamed up with Bioglan for their In Bioglan Balance, revealing how he explores his life. He's also started using their supplements but revealed that there's no "magic solution" to anything. "You can focus on your running and exercise," he said before adding that if an individual's sleep, diet or social connections are good, running won't make your life perfect and neither will supplements. Alex continued: "I actually talk about a lot in my content, is looking at small percentages and realising compound interests are a real thing as well." He adds that he weighs things up, including his sleep which can be 60 per cent of his wellbeing, he adds walking into his day before ensuring his food is the "colour of the rainbow" and taking supplements including Omega-3. "All of these little things add up to a significant change," he said. He says that in the past, diet culture was the topic of conversation for people changing their perception of life and happiness. He adds: "People say some people get into running to lose weight but actually, what they gain most out of the running is the process that gives you most of the reward, not the outcome." Running, is something that Alex says completely changed his life, which ties in with his audio series for Bioglan. "I was over 20 stone in weight, I was drinking a lot of alcohol, I was struggling with my mental health," he said. He adds that while he adds that "one thing" can't fix things, running was something that he's since fallen in love with thanks to its impact. He adds: "It is about balance, I try to promote health is important – it's not about being extreme about things. If we can do 80 per cent in a decent number of things, then that whole package hopefully makes you feel better." Alex added that his life is about balance, which he incorporates into his diet and uses the Bioglan inulin to help his gut bacteria, as well as Omega-3 for brain, heart and eyes health. But he knows that it can be "hard" to get things into diet but supplements can help which ensures he can have a balanced diet, including pizza and chocolate. If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@ Alex George has partnered with supplement brand Bioglan for their fourth series of 'In Bioglan Balance' to show how he finds balance in his busy life. To listen to the series visit @bioglansupplements Spotify page and to watch snippets of the podcasts, visit @bioglansupplements on Instagram.
