Bianca Gascoigne: I quit drinking so I don't end up like my alcoholic dad

Bianca Gascoigne reveals how she was scared into curbing her partying ways for good

Friday, 22 May 2009

Stumbling towards the sun lounger on a bikini photo shoot in Spain last September, I tried to focus. As usual, I’d been knocking back vodka to give me the confidence to strip off.

But it wasn’t until I watched the footage later that I realised how drunk I was. The video ended up on YouTube and to date it’s had more than 300,000 hits. I was mortified by how low I’d sunk, but it was the wake-up call I needed.

Ever since I’d been old enough to drink alcohol, I’d gained a reputation in the press as a good-time girl. I’d lost count of the number of times I’d fallen out of a club drunk and for a while I worried I’d end up like my ex-footballer stepdad Paul Gascoigne, who’s fought a long battle with alcohol addiction. I can’t blame him for my behaviour, though, because it was my personal choice to drink so much.

I was used to the VIP treatment, with champagne and vodka on the table in nightclubs, and I couldn’t say no. I can’t tell you how much I drank because I could never remember. The only evidence would be some awful paparazzi shot of me being helped out of a club.

My drinking spilled over into work, too, and I couldn’t go to a public appearance without having a few. In my mind I was still the chubby little girl I used to be and I convinced myself that drinking made me more fun, attractive and interesting. I was just doing the same as a lot of other young women – but the difference was that I was in the public eye. My excuse was: ‘I’m only 22. I’ll worry about it later.’

That was until the day I watched that YouTube video. I felt so ashamed. My friends and family were always begging me to stop drinking so much and I knew it was time to do something about it. So when BBC3 approached me to take part in the transformation show Make My Body Younger, I jumped at the chance.

The programme follows people with excessive lifestyles and teaches them about the health problems they risk. I was given a ‘living autopsy’ MRI scan to see what I’d done to my brain, liver and lungs. The results were shocking. When I was told I’d cause myself irreparable damage if I carried on like I had been, I burst into tears.

During the programme I started to open up about my insecurities and I realised how much I hid behind drink, using it as a mask. I had sessions with a confidence coach and was taught breathing techniques to use before public appearances in place of the booze. Learning how to calm my nerves and boost my self-esteem without the aid of alcohol was an amazing feeling. I realised that I’m naturally bubbly and fun.

After the show I wanted to keep up the good work, so when Now approached me to go on a fasting detox in Bath, I was up for it. I was a little apprehensive because I love my food and the detox involved having no food, alcohol or caffeine for three days. All you’re allowed is a maple syrup, lemon and cayenne pepper drink when you’re hungry.

My days were spent having massages, doing water yoga and relaxing in the spa. I also exercised daily. I felt weak at first, but as the toxins drained from my body, I felt as if the negative forces in my life vanished, too. I stopped worrying about how I look. I didn’t even feel hungry.

After I left the spa three days later, I carried on the detox at home for two days, although I admit that I weakened at a family barbecue and ate a tuna steak. But the results have far exceeded my expectations. I went into it feeling sceptical and left feeling confident, enthusiastic and healthy.

I haven’t drunk alcohol for ages and I hope I’ll lose my reputation as a party girl because I’m not like that any more. My skin is clear, my nails – which I used to bite – are strong and long and my hair looks glossy. I even lost 4lb, taking me down to 9st 2lb. But the best part is the way I feel. Doing this has given me an inner confidence and I now feel ready for whatever life throws at me.

Now sent Bianca to The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath to try the Royal Lemon Detox, £620.

See the latest pictures of Bianca Gascoigne in Now magazine dated 25 May 2009 - out now!

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