Scarlett’s secret struggle
Scarlett Moffatt opens up about her career, boyfriend Luke and, for the first time, her crippling ‘head demons’
Since being crowned Queen of the Jungle on
I’m A Celebrity… last year, Scarlett Moffatt, 27, has joined Ant & Dec on Saturday Night
Takeaway and replaced Davina McCall on Channel 4’s Streetmate. As she prepares to fly to Australia to hand over her crown, she talks about her incredibly honest new autobiography…
Scarlett, your life has changed so much in just a year!
I’m living the dream. And I feel like a weight’s been lifted from my shoulders, having talked about everything so openly in this book.
Tell us about the anxiety attacks...
I started noticing them a year into doing Gogglebox. I’d get agitated by silly things – I could only have the car stereo volume on an even number, and I’d imagine crashing into a tree if the volume was at 13.
What did you do?
I told nobody for a year, but eventually I went to see my doctor. It was such a relief to be told it was anxiety. I still have bad days, but I can deal with it more. It’s just my head demons out in force. It’s how my brain works.
You also talk about being bullied at school…
Yeah. They’d say things like, ‘ Why are you so orange, Scarlett? Did your mam sleep with a carrot?’ They even made a website [about me]. The teachers put me in isolation and let me leave early. I’d walk around Asda, contemplating my life. Words can hurt, so I always say kind things.
You’ve lost weight and brought out a fitness DVD. Do you feel good?
I feel happy, yes. I want to live as long as I can – that’s why I lost the weight. But I’m not superhuman! I’m just an average Northern lass who likes a chip dinner. If I want pizza, I’ll just exercise more the next day. I’ve been trolled for being too fat and too skinny.
How’s your boyfriend, Luke Crodden?
He’s brilliant. I call him the ‘dog dad’, as he’s fantastic with our dog! I’m in no rush to have children. though. Mam and Dad have only been married for four years, so I’ll probably follow in their footsteps.
Do you hang out with Ant and Dec?
Ant invited me to lunch with Dec and [presenter] Stephen Mulhern. I had to go to the toilet to tell myself to chill out!
What are your ambitions?
Strictly Come Dancing! I’d also like a part in a West End musical. Ideally, I’d play Belle in Beauty And The Beast, but I’d settle for Mrs Potts!
Scarlett Moffatt’s Me Life Story – Sofa, So Good (Blink) is out now
‘I had anxiety attacks a year into Gogglebox… I’ve been trolled for being too fat and too skinny’