Freddie Flintoff has opened up about creating a dual personality as a coping mechanism amid his secret bulimia struggle.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the cricketer was probed by host Piers Morgan about talking as Andrew, "who seems the more sensitive character" and Fred "the warrior sportsman who seems completely fearless".
Ahead of his new BBC documentary on his bulimia, he explained: "I remember when I was younger and I started playing professional cricket and I was a shy, quite retiring young lad and I don't think that would have cut it in the world of professional sport.
"So this Freddie character seemed to develop where he was bulletproof, nothing was going to bother him. Every time he walked out into a field or a situation he had it under control.
"I developed that over a period of time, I suppose, as a coping mechanism. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of fun as well.
"But as I get older I think I'm coming more into myself as well a bit and more confident in my own skin - probably more Andrew rather than Fred."
Freddie also explained that the number of men suffering from eating disorders was "much higher than anyone would think".
"I didn't feel like I could speak [about it], I didn't think I could say anything," he said. "I'm 42 know. I'm still not 100% sure how comfortable I am with it."
However, he said that making the documentary on bulimia allowed him to learn "a hell of a lot" about himself as he spoke to other men suffering from eating disorders.
"It isn't something I've had treatment for," Freddie said. "I'm fit, I'm doing alright but one thing I'm realising that I could be better."
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV
