A FORMER star of The Only Way Is Essex gave fans an insight into his struggles with confidence.
Charlie King, 38, starred in the reality show from 2012 to 2013 and appeared again in 2017.
Taking to Instagram, Charlie addressed a negative DM he had received on the social media platform.
The message read: “Love yourself much? Thought you had some body image problem, but you’re showing off thinking you’re something gr8. Embarrassing.”
Charlie shared the message to his story while acknowledging that he doesn’t “usually respond to s****y DMs.”
The star, who turns 39 next month, shared he had spent “many wasted hours” picking flaws in himself and lacking self love.
As a result, Charlie explained, he “withdrew from social situations and lost opportunities”, due to his lack of confidence.
He added: “I was even up for a big TV show and failed a psych test because my mental health was not in a good place.
“Fast forward a few years and I actually am embracing all that I am.”
Charlie came out as gay during an appearance on This Morning in 2014.
In his powerful words on Instagram, the former Towie star added: “If that means loving myself, or thinking “I’m all that” then let me have it.
“It’s actually not the case, life is short, time goes by so fast, our bodies age and you never get time back.”
He followed up by addressing the message sender directly.
Charlie wrote: “I don’t know who p****ed you off enough today for you to come and send some negative vibes my way!!
“Don’t try to upset someone just because you are perceiving things a certain way.
“Life is too short for this crap!”
Later on, Charlie published a follow-up message thanking fans for their support, as he wrote: “I don’t usually give negative the time of day. But for some reason that one triggered me.
“But honestly, the kindness so many of you show me is worth a billion x more than one stupid message.
“So I’m gonna focus on that, the good energy and a new day. Thanks for having my back you incredible lot. Love you.
“Let’s continue loving ourselves and believing we are dat b***h.”
