Cheeky Girls reveal anorexia trauma

The Cheeky Girls have revealed that they became anorexic after their record company Telstar went bankrupt in 2003.

Monica and Gabriela Irimia, who came to the public’s attention on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, were living on 500 calories a day at one point.

Monica developed anorexia nervosa first which led to Gabriela viewing herself as fat.

Gabriela told The Mail On Sunday: "I started to see myself as fat, so I copied her. I wanted my stomach to be flat like hers.

"Mum didn't notice - we were still eating healthy food albeit in tiny portions. In the end, I would feel full with a small amount because my stomach had shrunk. I caught up with Monica quickly."

Monica added: "We knew we had a big problem but although we didn't coerce one another into not eating, we knew we would cover up for the other if necessary."

She continued: "Once anorexic you always have an awareness of what you are eating but now we can control this so it doesn't control us. We don't want vulnerable young women to make the same mistake that we did."