LEGENDARY comic Bobby Davro has signed up to appear in a new short film aiming to help raise awareness of eating disorders.
The comedian has agreed to star in A Day With An Eating Disorder which is being produced by his friend and film-maker Lynn Crilly, an author and counsellor who specialises in supporting those living with conditions including anorexia and bulimia.
Bobby is the latest name to agree to perform for free in the film.
It will also feature This Country actor Paul Cooper who has grappled with emotional eating for many years; actress and reality TV star Jess Impiazzi, who has spoken openly about her battles with mental ill health and the former Hollyoaks actress and Celebrity Fit Club star Mikyla Dodd.
All have selflessly offered their time for free to help raise awareness.
Revealing why he wanted to take part Bobby said: “Lynn Crilly has been a friend of mine for many years. I have and will always support her work in the mental health space, which I feel in today’s world is more important than ever. Particularly the influence and negative impact that social media can have on the younger generation.”
Meanwhile two other stars can be confirmed among the lineup for the film.
Ben Jardine an actor and reality TV personality who appeared in Married At First Sight will take part saying he was proud to be “promoting awareness”.
And actor Jordan Okai, who starred in Love is Enough and South Beast, will also appear to help convey an important message on mental health.
The film comes 20 years after Lynn’s daughter Samantha was diagnosed with an eating disorder and OCD
Two-decades on, Lynn, the author of Hope With Eating Disorders, says the film is desperately needed to provide a voice to those suffering and their carers
Producer Lynn has worked closely with her daughter Samantha, an actress, poet and writer, on the film. The pair are both ambassadors for Sane, and this is the third film Lynn has produced and follows award-winning products on OCD and anxiety, which are topics she also specialises in treating.
The film – which is satirical but equally empathetic, has been co-written by Samantha, the actress and production manager, Lillie Bailey, and TV presenter and Film Director Marvin Ambrosius.
Also appearing in the film will be radio presenter Neil Long and his fellow airwaves partner Nicky Patrick. Yanick Ghanty, from Channel Four’s Hullraisers, who was at school with
Samantha is also appearing.
Poignantly, Samantha’s twin-sister Charlotte who has closely supported her over the past 20 years will also appear in the film.
Why we’re taking part:
The film is based on real-life experiences and shows a snapshot of the reality of living with an eating disorder.
All those taking part in the film have either suffered with an eating disorder themselves, have lived experience of one or have battled mental ill health during a period in their lives. Here – in their own words – they describe why they were inspired to appear in A Day With
An Eating Disorder:
Bobby Davro: Lynn Crilly has been a friend of mine for many years, I have and will always support her work in the mental health space, which I feel in today’s world is more important than ever. Particularly the influence and negative impact that social media can have on the younger generation.”
Jess Impiazzi Actress – ‘So many young people suffer with eating disorders and the rise of social media filters is causing more self esteem issues than ever, being part of this short film is important to highlight eating disorders. And hopefully help people suffering to find support and for families to help understand’
Paul Cooper: Actor – “All my adult life I have struggled with emotional eating so being a part of this film which will raise awareness and further help people with eating disorders is very special to me.”
Mikyla Dodd: Actress – “Raising awareness of the reality that people with mental health issues face every day is something I am passionate about. Bringing this to life, showing the human face of what is happening in so many homes and families is essential and can make something that is often misunderstood, relatable to help create a more inclusive society. It is a privilege to contribute in even the smallest way.”
Neil Long: Radio presenter and actor – “Mental health is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but it is encouraging to see more and more of this important conversation happening. I believe good mental health is ultimately available to all of us, and being part of this project is a privilege, And of course I love a bit of acting.”
Yanick Ghanty: Actor – “‘As a creative I believe in the power of storytelling to create positive change and provide hope to those who maybe struggling. I am thrilled to be participating in this short film, knowing that it aims to support individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Being part of a project that sheds light on such an important issue is truly meaningful to me.”
Nicky Patrick: Voiceover Artist, Actress and Radio Presenter – “The fact that Samantha has experience and worked through an eating disorder and challenges OCD on a daily basis makes her an incredible ambassador and role model on how not to let mental health issues prevent you from achieving your goals while also providing support in a very sensitive and entertaining way’.
Marvin Ambrosius: Film Director TV Presenter and Fitness Guru – This project is profoundly personal to me. Having worked in the fitness industry for many years, I have encountered numerous individuals whose struggles mirror the characters in this film, including my own battle with being overweight.
Lillie Bailey: Production Manager, Writer, and Actress – “I am so honoured to have been a part of the team from the very beginning. Raising awareness of the challenges and importance of mental health is something I feel very strongly about.”
Ben Jardine: Actor and reality TV Personality turned professional boxer –
“I am interested in working on this project, as I have two young children and I am fully aware of the world that they are being brought up in. This is why I want to bring awareness. As a professional boxer I have to always get down to crazy fight weights which take a lot of time, energy, lots of dieting and hard work but this is only a moment in time for me. People are constantly living with an eating disorder which I feel takes extraordinary fortitude. I believe that energy can be circumvented in a different way, incredible things happen through awareness. I want to promote awareness to get people to measure themselves in strength, not pounds and sometimes in smiles.”
Jordan Okai; Actor – “I accepted a role in this film as I believe in the message it conveys on mental health. I believe it should be pushed more throughout various forms of media.”
Mark Allen multi award winning filmmaker – “It is rare to be involved in a project that comes from a shared experience of living with and struggling with our mental health challenges, as we all do but then thriving by working together. Lynn Crilly is an expert with a heart who can tackle the hardest of issues with humour and pathos resulting in hope. What an amazing team she has created – can’t wait to see this film.
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