The Only Way Is Essex's Chloe Brockett has told fans her former co-star Joey Tuner is "fine" after he sparked concern with his latest Instagram snaps.
Joey, 21, was inundated with messages after sharing a series of modelling shots to his social media page.
In one of the pics, the now university student is seen sitting on a toilet wearing a tiny black vest and top.
One fan wrote: "The more you post the more concerned I am getting."
While another said: "TOWIE friends please check he is ok."
Joey's former Towie BFF Chloe, 20, has now stepped in to post her own comment on the post asking followers to leave her pal alone.
Chloe told fans "he's fine" before asking them to "stop moaning at her".
She wrote: 'What I'm a bit confused about is why I'm constantly getting tagged in these pictures saying I should ''help'' Joey. He is fine, he eats."
"'I've spoken to him, I see him regularly, all these people preaching about ''help your friend'' are also writing ''vile'' and ''far too skinny!'
"Sorry Karen from Blackpool, I forgot you see Joey regularly and know what his eating and how he is? Yet me, his friend, gets moaned at by complete strangers?"
Chloe concluded: "Joey is fine and we speak regularly. I understand he looks skinny, but that is his personal choice."
Joey - who left Towie five months ago also responded to fans' concerns by saying he's 'Okay' and 'not a role model'.
Defending the photos he said: "If I'm honest I'm not phased by the comments, I just want those who are about me to know I'm okay.
'I don't care about the comments simply because it's hard to care for the opinions of people that know nothing about me, my diet, my metabolism or my medical history with my weight.
'I'm a 20-year-old student, I'm not on TV. I'm a student like any other and I am not your role model, so if you want someone to look up to I suggest putting someone else on a pedestal because I am not him."
Speaking about his departure from Towie, he said: "I started the show when I was 17 years old after being approached by producers asking if I was interested in being on TV.
"Like any other 17-year-old would have done, I said yes and so I quit studying and started filming.
"Even though I was basically a child when I started I have had the most fun experience and made so many amazing friends.
"I am incredibly grateful for the entire experience and now it's time for the next chapter."
