“I’ve returned to modelling after ditching surgery”

Reality star Alicia Douvall says putting an end to cosmetic ops has made her feel better than ever – but her past addiction has left her with health problems

she was a glamour model S in the ’90s and has famously spent £1.5m on plastic surgery – but after having most of her procedures reversed, Alicia Douvall says she’s gone back to lingerie modelling and has never felt so comfortable in her own skin.

The mum-of-two, 37, began modelling in her twenties, but her plastic surgery addiction overshadowed her original fame, with the star admitting to having 400 cosmetic procedures, including 16 boob jobs, seven nose jobs and even toe surgery to get more dainty feet.

But after vowing to go surgery-free in 2013, Alicia has overcome her obsession and returned to modelling feeling better than ever. She says: “I’m nearly 38 and I feel better now than ever. I love my body and I’m at peace with how I look now. I feel empowered – I’m celebrating the way I look with modelling.

“I feel more natural now. I go to the gym and eat healthily and I can now say to people: ‘Take me or leave me, here I am.’ I’ve finally accepted myself.”

HEALTH SCARES

But Alicia, who’s a single mum to Georgia, 21, and Papaya, five, from previous relationships, still suffers health problems caused by the aftermath of her multiple operations.

Last December, the model revealed that the implants in her bum had ruptured and were leaking silicone into her bloodstream, but refused to have surgery after vowing to never go under the knife again.

And while she stands by her promise, the CBB star reveals the implants are still posing a risk to her health, saying: “I’m happy with myself, but I’m still self-conscious about my bum – there’s still silicone in there and it causes me pain every day. Doctors have offered me an op to correct it, but I refused as I want to stick to my word. I may have to have it in the future, though, as the doctors aren’t sure it’s safe.”

FAMILY LIFE

In the midst of her surgery addiction, Alicia was not only putting her health at risk, but also causing worry for Georgia, who’s now her colleague as a co-founder of skincare company Douvalls.

But after seeing her mum’s new modelling pictures, Georgia couldn’t be prouder. Alicia reveals: “Georgia thinks the photos are great – she loves them and is so proud. She knows I’m a fighter and I’ve picked myself up again. We’re much closer since I’ve been surgery-free.”

While Alicia – who’s been linked to Dwight Yorke, Mick Hucknall and Simon Cowell in the past – is focusing on her modelling and family life, she insists she’s not bothered about meeting The One. She says: “I know life would probably be easier with a man to help out – but I’m happy being on my own and looking after myself. I’ve been hurt in the past so I won’t settle for just anyone or compromise.”