Freddie Bentley, best known for his appearance on The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE), recently shared a candid account of his rise to fame, revealing the struggles he faced growing up in a council estate and how he defied the odds to achieve his dreams.
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, the 27-year-old star discussed the difficult times he faced, the influence of his mother, and how he proved his teachers wrong when they doubted his aspirations of becoming a TV star.
Overcoming Doubts and Dreams of Stardom
Growing up as a “normal council kid,” Freddie was always determined to make a name for himself.
He remembers vividly how, during his time in high school, he was told by his teachers to be “realistic” about his dream of becoming a TV star.
Despite the naysayers, Freddie never gave up on his ambition.
He explained how his passion for fashion and entertainment started early, citing memories of watching Gok Wan’s How To Look Good Naked and always striving to maintain his personal style.
“I’ve always been into my fashion since I was a little boy,” Freddie shared, emphasizing how important his appearance and self-presentation were to him, even in his modest surroundings.
Freddie also reflected on how his upbringing wasn’t marked by wealth, but rather by a strong sense of family values.
“I came from a very presentable family,” he said, noting that, while they didn’t have money, they always made sure to look tidy and put together.
Despite coming from humble beginnings, Freddie has always held onto his dream of being an entertainer.
“I’ve always been an entertainer,” he remarked, recalling how he would dress up as Snow White at the age of four, entertaining those around him.
A Defiant Dreamer Who Never Gave Up
As a teenager, Freddie’s dreams of becoming a TV star only grew stronger.
He fondly remembered his high school days when he declared his intention to appear on Big Brother one day.
“I remember telling everyone, ‘I’m going to be on Big Brother when I’m older,’” he said, pointing to the icons of that time, such as Nikki Grahame and Jade Goody. However, his Spanish teacher wasn’t so supportive.
“She told me I had to have a realistic job,” Freddie recalled. His response? “Whether I’m on TV in Spain or the UK, I’m going to be on it.”
Freddie’s boldness in the face of criticism only fueled his drive to prove everyone wrong.
“People telling me I couldn’t do something gave me the ambition to do it,” he said, highlighting how he always felt a strong connection to the entertainment world, even when others doubted him.
Supporting His Mother and Facing Hardships Together
While Freddie was chasing his dreams, he was also supporting his mother, who lives with bipolar disorder.
“My mum doesn’t work, she’s a stay-at-home mum,” Freddie shared.
“She’s incredible, though, and we are best friends.
I’ve always supported her, and I’m so proud of how far she’s come.”
Freddie’s mother, despite her challenges, takes medication and does everything she can to improve her life, including taking long walks and socializing.
Freddie also mentioned that he got his mother a dog, Queenie, to keep her company.
“The dog has helped her so much,” he said, describing how they’ve become best friends and how it has made a positive difference in his mother’s life.
Freddie’s sense of responsibility toward his mother shines through as he expressed his gratitude for being able to provide for her now.
“I feel privileged that I can help my mum, and I’d never let her go without,” he added, demonstrating how much his family means to him.
From Reality TV to Luxury Life
Freddie’s fame took off after his appearance on Netflix’s The Circle in 2018, where he placed second and garnered attention for his charisma and personality.
“It was a game-changing moment for me,” he said, reflecting on how his participation in the social experiment led to brand deals and modeling opportunities.
Soon after, Freddie became a well-known figure in the world of influencers, partnering with big names like Pretty Little Thing and Stone Valley Clothing.
His rise in the entertainment world didn’t stop there. Freddie went on to appear on MTV’s Celeb Ex In The City, as well as guest spots on podcasts.
However, it was his role in The Only Way Is Essex in 2023 that really catapulted him into the limelight.
There, he developed a close friendship with Ella Rae Wise from Big Brother, further solidifying his place in the reality TV world.
Today, Freddie enjoys a life of luxury, including non-surgical cosmetic procedures like a Brazilian Butt Lift and Botox.
His story of resilience and hard work is a testament to how far he’s come from his humble beginnings on the council estate to becoming a celebrated TV personality and influencer.
Freddie’s journey shows that no matter where you come from, with determination and ambition, dreams really can come true.