ACTRESS and former TOWIE star Jess Impiazzi has landed the lead role in a cutting edge new film, shedding light on eating disorders.
The 35-year-old who studied performing arts at the prestigious Italai Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, will star in the short film, A Day in the Life of An Easting Disorder, released next year.
Produced by author and counselor Lynn Crilly, Jess confessed that she too suffered from an eating disorder, which brought her to the attention of Lynn.
She said: “Lynn has also helped me and people I know in the past and to be a part of something close to their hearts is so important to me.”
The actress who trained in dance which is often wrapped up in body image issues, says she fully understands the psychology behind eating disorders.
She said: “ I understand the mindset of eating disorders especially with my roots in dance and it can be really hard to overcome without the right help and people around you. So it’s important to highlight and help others.”
The project which is being supported by the charity Sane, will also star comedy legend Bobby Davro and Hollyoaks actor, Mikalya Dodd.
Producer Lynn Crilly’s daughter Samantha will also have a role in the film, having herself suffered from an eating disorder in the past.
Released next year, the short film will mark a return to acting for Jess, after she took a job helping to showcase and sell luxury properties online.
Previously she confessed to being in a professional no mans land, after appearing in a string of reality shows.
Having received formal training as an actress, Jess who appeared on Ex on the Beach and Celebrity Big Brother, said she’d found the aftermath of starring on reality telly to be unsatisfactory.
She told The Mirror: “I trained my whole life at theatre school on a full scholarship and I’m very proud of that.
“I worked so hard for it but in my early twenties I definitely lost my way which I talked about in my book ‘silver linings’.”
Jess continued to describe the difficulties she has encountered: “I feel that reality TV is a hard label to shake but at the same time I am very determined and I absolutely love what I do and what I trained to do as an actor.
“I know that soon I’ll be known for that rather than a show made nearly ten years ago.
“I’m just grateful that I’ve managed to bring back belief in myself and therefore the belief in me from others and I’ll continue to keep my head down and work my butt off to continue living my dream.”
Off-screen, we exclusively reported how Jess’ love life had taken a boost, too.
Last month, we told how she had found romance with a racing driver after her split with footballer Jermaine Pennant.
She is now dating Formula E driver Sam Bird, 37, and is said to be over the moon with the new romance.
Jess went public with the handsome British racing driver after they spent a romantic weekend together.
A source told The Sun: “Jess has been through these last few years but she’s now got a smile back on her face and that’s Sam’s doing.
