Latest news with #JodieMarsh
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside the dark side of female bodybuilding as the industry booms – from dehydration to drug scandals & shock deaths
BEYOND the chiselled physiques and unwavering dedication to fitness, there lies a deeper, darker side to female bodybuilding communities - with some willing to risk their lives to rule supreme over their beefy competitors. For many women, this high-stakes environment often extends far beyond the competitive stage, exposing them to threats from other rival contestants and serious health risks from extreme dehydration and deadly steroid abuse. 14 14 14 14 Surprisingly, not all female bodybuilders are chasing trophies or glory. For some, bodybuilding is a lifestyle, a statement, or even a livelihood. Since its first boom in the 1980s, female bodybuilding is seeing a second wave of popularity sparked by the rise of fitness influencers. Celebrities including former Page three girl Jodie Marsh, Dwayne Johnson, Teresa Giudice and Hugh Jackman have all admitted to either doing it, or giving it a go. Speaking previously to The Sun Newspaper of her buffed up look, Jodie Marsh said: "I don't give a s*** what they say. I feel sexier than I have for ten years. "I used to loathe my body but now I absolutely adore it.' However, more recently after ditching the lifestyle she gave a health up date claiming she's "fat but happier than ever." Back in 2018, American reality star Teresa explained that it was "the best" she had ever felt, while Dwayne Johnson and regularly spoken about the mental effort that is required. He often uses the phrase "blood, sweat, and respect". For amateur bodybuilder Mia Collins, bodybuilding has been a journey of self-discovery and discipline. She told the BBC: "You get out what you put in, everyday is an uphill battle with it. Bodybuilder dies aged 30 after collapsing during competition as horrified spectators look on "But the output at the end - you have so much pride in what you've achieved. So few people do it because it is so challenging." She continued: "So for me to focus on my health, my wellbeing and my muscular strength, it just means I'm hopefully going to be healthier down the line." However, the industry has seen its fair share of controversies and scandals, with extreme practices leading to heartbreaking consequences. In 2020, tragedy struck when young bodybuilder Jodi Vance, aged 20, died from extreme dehydration after using harmful supplements. Dehydration is widely used in bodybuilding in the final stages of competition prep. Contestants will manipulate water levels so that they can achieve a "dry" look that reveals every muscle and vein. During the final 12-24 hours before competitors step on stage, athletes dramatically cut water in-take in order to dehydrate the body. Bodybuilders will also do Cutting - which is a phase focused on reducing body fat to reveal muscle definition. 14 Athletes do this by eating at a calorie deficit while maintaining or even increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass. Jodi had attended Arnold Schwarzenegger 's sports festival in Columbus, not as a competitor but to support her coaching students. Her coach, fitness influencer Justin Mihaly, revealed in an Instagram video that Jodi had made a fatal mistake by consuming two hazardous substances without his or her family's knowledge. A fat-burning drug which acts as a stimulant and a diuretic drug which causes increased passing of urine. The two counteracting drugs ultimately led to her fatal dehydration. Justin explained that Jodi, who had been experiencing health issues at the time, had shown interest in the fat-burning drug despite having no competitive reason to use it. In May, a study by Dr Marco Vecchiato, an expert in sports medicine from the University of Padova, found that pumping iron could leave you at greater risk of suddenly falling to your death, a major study of 20,000 bodybuilders has revealed. Researchers found those who had built extreme levels of muscle over their lifetime were twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death, compared to the general population. On the other hand, professional bodybuilders who competed in events like 'Mr Olympia,' including figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, faced a fivefold increase in the risk of sudden death compared to those at an amateur level. Worryingly, nearly 40 per cent of all deaths among the bodybuilders examined were unexpected and linked to heart issues. The authors also suggested their figures could be an underestimation, as many deaths were listed as ' unknown'. Although many deaths are listed as 'unknown', the British Heart Foundation have warned that taking anabolic steroids is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of developing heart conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy. According to a study led by Tim Piatkowski from Griffith University, women bodybuilders are 12 times more likely to use anabolic steroid - which is traditionally used by young male bodybuilders to build and repair muscle quickly - than the general female population, including recreational gym users. Despite it being illegal to possess anabolic steroids without a prescription, the study showed a four per cent rate of steroid consumption among women globally, higher than the 1.4 per cent last reported in 2014. But it comes with permanent side effects for women including loss of breasts, deepened voice, problems with periods, hair loss, swelling of the clitoris, paranoia, blood clots, liver failure, and heart attacks. In England, it's illegal to possess, import or export anabolic steroids if it's believed you're supplying or selling them. This includes giving them to friends. The penalty is an unlimited fine, or even a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Anabolic steroids, often associated with young male bodybuilders for their muscle-building and recovery benefits, are becoming increasingly popular among women in the bodybuilding community. Recent research highlights a global steroid use rate of 4% among women, a noticeable rise from the 1.4% reported in 2014. 14 14 14 14 Dark community emerges But it's not only troubling training methods that leave these female Adonis' at risk, a dark community where women are willing to do anything to get a competitive edge over their rivals has emerged. Earlier this month, the bodybuilding world was rocked by the death of a beauty queen, Luz María Barrera Agatón, aged 36, who was found lifeless in a hotel swimming pool while holidaying with her family. Luz, who had been staying at the Coco Resort & Villas in Motul, in Cancun, when she died, was crowned Fitness Champion at the 2017 Mister Mexico bodybuilding contest, won the bikini category at the Mr Olympia Amateur competition held in Spain and was crowned queen of the Motul Carnival in 2024. Police have not ruled out foul play, and local reports revealed she had received sinister threats just two weeks prior, when a menacing banner was hung outside her gym in Merida, Yucatán. Luz reportedly removed the sign herself without informing authorities, but cops are investigating these incidents and whether they could be connected to her death. This was not the first time she had faced such threats; back in 2017, she and her former partner, Chiri Roberto, a state prosecutor, were seemingly targeted by two thugs and threatened. Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy Last year, Johanna Pérez, who ran the Johafit nutrition and trainer health pages on Facebook and Instagram and racked up tens of thousands of followers in the process, passed away just a few days after her 35th birthday. She broke new ground as one of the first women to compete in bodybuilding tournaments in her native Panama. During her career, she had scooped up several awards, before moving into the world of content creation. Back in 2022, a Washington Post investigation found that officials - , including J.M. Manion, whose father, Jim - founder and president of International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation [IFBB] Pro League and the National Physique Committee [NPC] - of bodybuilding's two premier federations have been sexually exploiting female athletes for decades. Their report found that the females were being pressured for them to pose for nude photographs, posting those photos to soft-core pornography sites. It also found that at times, the officials manipulated contest results in favour of cooperative competitors. According to The Washington Post, for more than 15 years, J.M. Manion had been running amateur and professional bodybuilding contests for decades. One of J.M.'s sites, Fitness Divas, bluntly stated: 'Your Favorite Fitness Athletes …Naked!' Jenn Gates, who won the figure category at the prestigious Olympia contest in 2007, was managed by J.M, and earned enough sponsorship money to quit her nursing job. She graced the covers of fitness magazines, and claims that J.M asked her to take off her bikini top and bottom for photos. However, Jenn refused but later learned from Post reporters that her swimsuit photos had been featured alongside nude female competitors on one of his pornography sites. She explained that she "never consented to having" her pictures on a soft-porn site. Aly Garcia, a bikini competitor who abandoned the spot in 2017 after realising that she would "never get a top win" if she didn't have sex with the judges or promoters, also claimed to have refused to do nude photos. Lawyers for Manion and others said they emphatically denied "any and all wrongdoing." 'Toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic' Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy, has spent 28 years in the industry and previously worked with organisations like Pure Elite and the NPA (Natural for Life Bodybuilding). He explains that the number of women competing, particularly in fitness and bikini categories, has risen dramatically. While he supports anything that encourages consistent exercise, he warns of the potential health risks associated with bodybuilding competitions. He explains: 'Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles. 'If someone participates in multiple competitions over several years, these effects can be compounded.' He continues: 'For some there is also the additional pressure of using steroids which can lead to further issues. 'The WADA, World Anti-Doping Association says 'steroids may enhance performance in the short term, but they come at a great cost: organ damage, reproductive disorders, and psychological effects like aggression and addiction.' 'It is imperative as with any competitive sport to get support from experts in nutrition and training to mitigate these potential risks, and choose supplements that are science backed, safe and efficacious to support.' Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in physiotherapy at King's College London, also confirmed an increase in uptake of the sport among women in the last 10 years. He said: "I think we've had a massive issue with gendered expectations or roles placed upon women particularly.' Ultimately, while female bodybuilding can be a source of empowerment and achievement, it is crucial for participants to have expert guidance in nutrition and training, as well as access to safe, science-backed supplements. 14 Without these measures, the risks can outweigh the rewards, leaving many women vulnerable to physical, emotional, and even life-threatening consequences. Taking to Reddit, one person remained anonymous while sharing their experience within the industry. They explained how they think the body building culture is 'toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic' and noted how social media and online communities have only made it worse. The social media user also explained that most of the people they've met or spoken to 'aren't even competing, nor serious enough about their hobby to warrant copious amounts of money they spend on protein supplements or food.' The post ended with: 'Body building culture has become toxic, obsessive and saturated with people with unrealistic expectations and uneducated uninformed opinions. 'I genuinely believe body dysmorphia disorder is at an all time high.' Daniel adds: 'Another issue is that there is some politics, placings are subjective, and judging criteria can vary depending on federation, category, and even region. 'Some competitors report that success often hinges on more than just physical condition - including coach affiliations, politics, and how well a competitor 'fits the mould' of the current trend in body types.' Participants are assessed on factors such as muscle development, balance, overall conditioning, and stage presence. Judges rank competitors by comparing them to one another, with the winner being the athlete who achieves the lowest combined score. Various divisions, such as bodybuilding, physique, or bikini, focus on highlighting different aspects of an ideal physique. But despite this, the bodybuilding industry is on the rise - especially for women. It's been reported that this year, female bodybuilding is undergoing a significant transformation. This includes a rise in participation, new competition categories, and a wider cultural acceptance of strength and empowerment. With more women embracing strength training and bodybuilding, the sport continues to evolve, presenting diverse opportunities for athletes across the globe. Rimini Miloro, 26, from Burton on Trent believes that the industry is competitive but is a sport where everyone 'understands each other.' 'Very competitive sport' She says: 'Bodybuilding is a very competitive sport. 'It's not just about stepping up on stage but it's all about your daily actions away from the stage also. 'It's also a very individual sport meaning everything you do is on you and will also determine the look you bring to the stage. I wouldn't say bodybuilding is bitchy at all. 'From my experience it's a community where everyone understands each other. 'We have all worked so hard to be able to develop the physiques we bring to the stage and it's just so nice to share that with people who understand every step you've taken because they've done the same. 'We are doing the work daily. Not just when it's time to prep and get on stage. None of us look stage lean all the time either. 'In order to grow a decent amount of bodyfat has to be put on. 'We need to get strong in order to perform better in the gym, we need to fuel our body with good quality foods and we can't do that trying to hold onto our abs all the time. 'Bodybuilding is all about what you do in the background before getting the tan and showcasing your physique to the judges.' The introduction of the Fit Model category by the NPC and IFBB is indeed an exciting step forward for female bodybuilding, offering a more accessible and inclusive platform for women. This new category prioritises a natural and athletic aesthetic, focusing on balance, stage presence, and overall beauty, rather than extreme muscularity. It bridges the gap between fitness modelling and traditional bodybuilding, providing women with an alternative way to showcase their dedication to fitness and well-being. The upcoming 2025 IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships and Annual Congress in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport. With athletes from around the world coming together, this event promises to showcase the growing diversity and innovation in female bodybuilding. As the sport embraces inclusivity and holistic health, 2025 is set to be a landmark year, redefining its future. Female bodybuilding is not just evolving in competition - it's breaking barriers, inspiring empowerment, and uniting a global community. And although their is scandal with drug taking in the industry, Rimini believes it's changing for the better. She says: "I've seen people unfortunately pass away due to diuretic use which is actually now not a popular protocol to do due to the risks of that enhancement. "Both the natural and assisted bodybuilding world for females is at an all-time high - it's a challenge many want to succeed in. "I feel the glitz and glam is definitely the main attraction for some girls and that's great. "However, it's super important for girls to understand what comes with that look on the stage for them to see if prepping for 20-30 weeks is worth potentially what is around 5-10 minutes on stage. "Social media has had such a positive impact on the bodybuilding scene - especially the natural side. "But it's an industry which teaches you mental resilience from pushing yourself on a daily basis." 14
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside the dark side of female bodybuilding as the industry booms – from dehydration to drug scandals & shock deaths
BEYOND the chiselled physiques and unwavering dedication to fitness, there lies a deeper, darker side to female bodybuilding communities - with some willing to risk their lives to rule supreme over their beefy competitors. For many women, this high-stakes environment often extends far beyond the competitive stage, exposing them to threats from other rival contestants and serious health risks from extreme dehydration and deadly 14 For amateur bodybuilder Mia Collins, bodybuilding is a journey of self-discovery and discipline Credit: Instagram/miacollinsss 14 Female bodybuilding is seeing a second wave of popularity sparked by the rise of fitness influencers Credit: AFP 14 Young bodybuilder Jodi Vance, aged 20, died from extreme dehydration Credit: instagram 14 Rimini Miloro, 26, believes the industry is competitive but is a sport where everyone 'understands each other' Credit: Instagram/riminimiloro Surprisingly, not all female bodybuilders are chasing trophies or glory. For some, bodybuilding is a lifestyle, a statement, or even a livelihood. Since its first boom in the 1980s, female bodybuilding is seeing a second wave of popularity sparked by the rise of fitness influencers. Celebrities including former Page three girl Jodie Marsh, Dwayne Johnson, Teresa Giudice and Hugh Jackman have all admitted to either doing it, or giving it a go. Speaking previously to "I used to loathe my body but now I absolutely adore it.' However, more recently after ditching the lifestyle she gave a health up date claiming she's "fat but happier than ever." Back in 2018, American reality star Teresa explained that it was "the best" she had ever felt, while Dwayne Johnson and regularly spoken about the mental effort that is required. He often uses the phrase "blood, sweat, and respect". For amateur bodybuilder Mia Collins, bodybuilding has been a journey of self-discovery and discipline. She told the Bodybuilder dies aged 30 after collapsing during competition as horrified spectators look on "But the output at the end - you have so much pride in what you've achieved. So few people do it because it is so challenging." She continued: "So for me to focus on my health, my wellbeing and my muscular strength, it just means I'm hopefully going to be healthier down the line." However, the industry has seen its fair share of controversies and scandals, with extreme practices leading to heartbreaking consequences. In 2020, tragedy struck when young bodybuilder Dehydration is widely used in bodybuilding in the final stages of competition prep. Contestants will manipulate water levels so that they can achieve a "dry" look that reveals every muscle and vein. During the final 12-24 hours before competitors step on stage, athletes dramatically cut water in-take in order to dehydrate the body. Bodybuilders will also do Cutting - which is a phase focused on reducing body fat to reveal muscle definition. 14 Jodie Marsh previously revealed how "sexy" she felt bodybuilding Credit: Alison Webster - The Sun 14 Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson previously revealed how bodybuilding doesn't come easy Credit: Instagram/therock 14 Teresa Giudice competed in the Bikini Division of the NPC South Jersey Bodybuilding Championships on June 9, 2018 in Medford, New Jersey Credit: Getty Athletes do this by eating at a calorie deficit while maintaining or even increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass. Jodi had attended Her coach, fitness influencer Justin Mihaly, revealed in an Instagram video that Jodi had made a fatal mistake by consuming two hazardous substances without his or her family's knowledge. A fat-burning drug which acts as a stimulant and a diuretic drug which causes increased passing of urine. Your Favorite Fitness Athletes …Naked! Fitness Divas The two counteracting drugs ultimately led to her fatal dehydration. Justin explained that Jodi, who had been experiencing health issues at the time, had shown interest in the fat-burning drug despite having no competitive reason to use it. In May, a study by Dr Marco Vecchiato, an expert in sports medicine from the University of Padova, found that pumping iron could leave you at greater risk of suddenly falling to your death, a major study of 20,000 bodybuilders has revealed. Researchers found those who had built extreme levels of muscle over their lifetime were twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death, compared to the general population. On the other hand, professional bodybuilders who competed in events like 'Mr Olympia,' including figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, faced a fivefold increase in the risk of sudden death compared to those at an amateur level. Worryingly, nearly 40 per cent of all deaths among the bodybuilders examined were unexpected and linked to heart issues. The authors also suggested their figures could be an underestimation, as many deaths were listed as ' unknown'. Although many deaths are listed as 'unknown', the I think we've had a massive issue with gendered expectations or roles placed upon women particularly Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in physiotherapy at King's College London According to a Piatkowski from Griffith University , w omen bodybuilders are 12 times more likely to use anabolic steroid - which is traditionally used by young male bodybuilders to build and repair muscle quickly - than the general female population, including recreational gym users. Despite it being illegal to possess anabolic steroids without a prescription, the study showed a four per cent rate of steroid consumption among women globally, higher than the 1.4 per cent last reported in 2014. But it comes with permanent side effects for women including loss of breasts, deepened voice, problems with periods, hair loss, swelling of the clitoris, paranoia, blood clots, liver failure, and heart attacks. In England, it's illegal to possess, import or export anabolic steroids if it's believed you're supplying or selling them. This includes giving them to friends. The penalty is an unlimited fine, or even a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Anabolic steroids, often associated with young male bodybuilders for their muscle-building and recovery benefits, are becoming increasingly popular among women in the bodybuilding community. Recent research highlights a global steroid use rate of 4% among women, a noticeable rise from the 1.4% reported in 2014. 14 Jodi died after using harmful supplements Credit: Instagram/ 14 Last year, Johanna Pérez passed away just a few days after her 35th birthday Credit: Jam Press 14 Johanna ran the Johafit nutrition and trainer health pages on social media and racked up tens of thousands of followers Credit: Jam Press Vid 14 A dark community where women are willing to do anything to get a competitive edge over their rivals is emerging Credit: AFP Dark community emerges But it's not only troubling training methods that leave these female Adonis' at risk, a dark community where women are willing to do anything to get a competitive edge over their rivals has emerged. Earlier this month, the bodybuilding world was rocked by the death of a beauty queen, Luz María Barrera Agatón, aged 36, who was found lifeless in a hotel swimming pool while holidaying with her family. Luz, who had been staying at the Coco Resort & Villas in Motul, in Police have not ruled out foul play, and local reports revealed she had received sinister threats just two weeks prior, when a menacing banner was hung outside her gym in Merida, Yucatán. Luz reportedly removed the sign herself without informing authorities, but cops are investigating these incidents and whether they could be connected to her death. This was not the first time she had faced such threats; back in 2017, she and her former partner, Chiri Roberto, a state prosecutor, were seemingly targeted by two thugs and threatened. Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy Last year, She broke new ground as one of the first women to compete in bodybuilding tournaments in her native During her career, she had scooped up several awards, before moving into the world of content creation. Back in 2022, a Their report found that the females were being pressured for them to pose for nude photographs, posting those photos to soft-core pornography sites. It also found that at times, the officials manipulated contest results in favour of cooperative competitors. According to The Washington Post, for more than 15 years, J.M. Manion had been running amateur and professional bodybuilding contests for decades. One of J.M.'s sites, Fitness Divas, bluntly stated: 'Your Favorite Fitness Athletes …Naked!' I feel the glitz and glam is definitely the main attraction for some girls and that's great Rimini Miloro, 26 Jenn Gates, who won the figure category at the prestigious Olympia contest in 2007, was managed by J.M, and earned enough sponsorship money to quit her nursing job. She graced the covers of fitness magazines, and claims that J.M asked her to take off her bikini top and bottom for photos. However, Jenn refused but later learned from Post reporters that her swimsuit photos had been featured alongside nude female competitors on one of his pornography sites. She explained that she "never consented to having" her pictures on a soft-porn site. Aly Garcia, a bikini competitor who abandoned the spot in 2017 after realising that she would "never get a top win" if she didn't have sex with the judges or promoters, also claimed to have refused to do nude photos. Lawyers for Manion and others said they emphatically denied 'any and all wrongdoing.' 'Toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic' Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy, has spent 28 years in the industry and previously worked with organisations like Pure Elite and the NPA (Natural for Life Bodybuilding). He explains that the number of women competing, particularly in fitness and bikini categories, has risen dramatically. While he supports anything that encourages consistent exercise, he warns of the potential health risks associated with bodybuilding competitions . He explains: 'Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles. 'If someone participates in multiple competitions over several years, these effects can be compounded.' He continues: 'For some there is also the additional pressure of using steroids which can lead to further issues. 'The WADA, World Anti-Doping Association says 'steroids may enhance performance in the short term, but they come at a great cost: organ damage, reproductive disorders, and psychological effects like aggression and addiction.' 'It is imperative as with any competitive sport to get support from experts in nutrition and training to mitigate these potential risks, and choose supplements that are science backed, safe and efficacious to support.' Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in physiotherapy at King's College London, also confirmed an increase in uptake of the sport among women in the last 10 years. He said: "I think we've had a massive issue with gendered expectations or roles placed upon women particularly.' Ultimately, while female bodybuilding can be a source of empowerment and achievement, it is crucial for participants to have expert guidance in nutrition and training, as well as access to safe, science-backed supplements. 14 Earlier this month, the bodybuilding world was rocked by the death of a beauty queen, Luz María Barrera Agatón, aged 36 Credit: Jam Press 14 She was found lifeless in a hotel swimming pool in Cancun while holidaying with her family Credit: Jam Press Without these measures, the risks can outweigh the rewards, leaving many women vulnerable to physical, emotional, and even life-threatening consequences. Taking to Reddit, one person remained anonymous while sharing their experience within the industry. They explained how they think the body building culture is 'toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic' and noted how social media and online communities have only made it worse. Body building culture has become toxic, obsessive and saturated with people with unrealistic expectations and uneducated uninformed opinions The social media user also explained that most of the people they've met or spoken to 'aren't even competing, nor serious enough about their hobby to warrant copious amounts of money they spend on protein supplements or food.' The post ended with: 'Body building culture has become toxic, obsessive and saturated with people with unrealistic expectations and uneducated uninformed opinions. 'I genuinely believe Daniel adds: 'Another issue is that there is some politics, placings are subjective, and judging criteria can vary depending on federation, category, and even region. 'Some competitors report that success often hinges on more than just physical condition - including coach affiliations, politics, and how well a competitor 'fits the mould' of the current trend in body types.' Participants are assessed on factors such as muscle development, balance, overall conditioning, and stage presence. Judges rank competitors by comparing them to one another, with the winner being the athlete who achieves the lowest combined score. Various divisions, such as bodybuilding, physique, or bikini, focus on highlighting different aspects of an ideal physique. But despite this, the bodybuilding industry is on the rise - especially for women. It's been reported that this year, female bodybuilding is undergoing a significant transformation. This includes a rise in participation, new competition categories, and a wider cultural acceptance of strength and empowerment. With more women embracing strength training and bodybuilding, the sport continues to evolve, presenting diverse opportunities for athletes across the globe. Rimini Miloro, 26, from Burton on Trent believes that the industry is competitive but is a sport where everyone 'understands each other.' 'Very competitive sport' She says: 'Bodybuilding is a very competitive sport. 'It's not just about stepping up on stage but it's all about your daily actions away from the stage also. 'It's also a very individual sport meaning everything you do is on you and will also determine the look you bring to the stage. I wouldn't say bodybuilding is bitchy at all. 'From my experience it's a community where everyone understands each other. 'We have all worked so hard to be able to develop the physiques we bring to the stage and it's just so nice to share that with people who understand every step you've taken because they've done the same. 'We are doing the work daily. Not just when it's time to prep and get on stage. None of us look stage lean all the time either. 'In order to grow a decent amount of bodyfat has to be put on. 'We need to get strong in order to perform better in the gym, we need to fuel our body with good quality foods and we can't do that trying to hold onto our abs all the time. 'Bodybuilding is all about what you do in the background before getting the tan and showcasing your physique to the judges.' Bodybuilding is all about what you do in the background before getting the tan and showcasing your physique to the judges Rimini Miloro, 26 The introduction of the Fit Model category by the NPC and IFBB is indeed an exciting step forward for female bodybuilding, offering a more accessible and inclusive platform for women. This new category prioritises a natural and athletic aesthetic, focusing on balance, stage presence, and overall beauty, rather than extreme muscularity. It bridges the gap between fitness modelling and traditional bodybuilding, providing women with an alternative way to showcase their dedication to fitness and well-being. The upcoming 2025 IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships and Annual Congress in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport. With athletes from around the world coming together, this event promises to showcase the growing diversity and innovation in female bodybuilding. As the sport embraces inclusivity and holistic health, 2025 is set to be a landmark year, redefining its future . Female bodybuilding is not just evolving in competition - it's breaking barriers, inspiring empowerment, and uniting a global community. And although their is scandal with drug taking in the industry, Rimini believes it's changing for the better. She says: "I've seen people unfortunately pass away due to diuretic use which is actually now not a popular protocol to do due to the risks of that enhancement. "Both the natural and assisted bodybuilding world for females is at an all-time high - it's a challenge many want to succeed in. "I feel the glitz and glam is definitely the main attraction for some girls and that's great. "However, it's super important for girls to understand what comes with that look on the stage for them to see if prepping for 20-30 weeks is worth potentially what is around 5-10 minutes on stage. "Social media has had such a positive impact on the bodybuilding scene - especially the natural side. "But it's an industry which teaches you mental resilience from pushing yourself on a daily basis." 14 We are doing the work daily. Not just when it's time to prep and get on stage, says Rimini Miloro Credit: Instagram/riminimiloro
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Noughties millionaire playboy who dated Bianca Gascoigne and Jodie Marsh and was engaged to Katie Price before she famously dumped him for Peter Andre during their I'm A Celeb stint now leads a VERY different life
Son of a millionaire, Scott Sullivan, once dated a string of noughties glamour models - but now leads a very different life. Scott, who was famed for his two-year relationship with Katie Price, also dated Bianca Gascoigne and Jodie Marsh. Katie dated Scott Sullivan back in 2002 for two years but their relationship came to an explosive end during her appearance on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!. She became engaged to the businessman when he gave her a ring just before she was about to enter the jungle in 2004. But the glamour model went on to strike up a romance with her now ex-husband Peter Andre during their time together on the ITV reality show. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. At the time, Scott had been left furious with Peter's flirty displays towards Katie and threatened to 'punch his lights out' ahead of flying out to Australia where the reality series is filmed. The model previously said she was first attracted to Scott because 'he ignored her when they first met'. Following the breakdown of his relationship with Katie, Scott went on to date her nemesis Jodie Marsh, before finding love with Bianca five years later in 2009. He had seemed pretty taken with the former Celebrity Big Brother star and was quoted in 2010 talking about his plans to propose to Bianca that year. Proving that Made In Chelsea's convoluted love triangles aren't just onscreen, Funda and Scott then began dating in 2016, a year after he was linked to her love rival Caggie Dunlop. Caggie had confirmed her romance with the dark-haired hunk via Instagram in 2015, with sources claiming at the time that she had been 'embarrassed' over Scott's 'colourful' dating history. A source had told The Mirror at the time: 'Caggie is really into Scott, but she is a Chelsea girl at heart and she'd rather no one knew about his colourful love life. 'He's a wealthy guy and he has talent but there are too many embarrassing pictures of him leaving clubs with glamour girls for her liking.' Now happily married to his Made In Chelsea star wife Funda Önal, he has traded his partying ways for a much quieter life at home with his family Meanwhile, it seems Scott fell for Funda months after his split with Caggie, sharing the first picture of his wife to Instagram in May 2016 - a month after posing with her Made In Chelsea ex Spencer Matthews. Now happily married, Scott has traded his partying ways for a much quieter life at home with his family. After meeting model and dancer Funda in 2015, Scott popped the question the following year during a romantic trip to a Malibu vineyard. The couple went on to marry in 2017 before welcoming their first child, a daughter in 2018. Just last week they revealed they are expecting another child. Scott's Instagram feed shows snippets of his jet set life as a Private Jet Charter, as he shares photos from various tropical locations. According to his Instagram account, he is the founder of SHY Aviation which works to help customers reach 'exclusive and remote destinations that commercial flights cannot reach' via private jet and helicopter. Scott also owns SHY Lifestyle which is advertised as 'providing luxury travel experiences and lifestyle management services.' Although he keeps is family life mostly under wraps, he did share a stunning black and white photo of himself and his wife last week to announce they are expecting their second child. 'A new Soul among us,' he wrote while cradling Funda's growing baby bump. Another post from 2019 shows him walking through London hand-in-hand with his daughter. Despite his much more private life, Scott is still mixing in celebrity circles with photos showing him enjoying trips abroad with close friend Ed Westwick. In another photo, the pair can be seen practising Brazilian jiu-jitsu together alongside their instructor.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jodie Marsh is supported by celeb pals including Nigel Farrage and Jessie Wallace for animal sanctuary fundraiser after winning bitter legal battle with council
Jodie Marsh was supported by her celebrity pals including Nigel Farrage and Jessie Wallace as she hosted a fundraising night for her animal shelter on Friday night. The former glamour model, 46, stunned in a figure-hugging green velvet dress for the event in Essex. It was hosted at Quendon Hall, a known wedding hotspot thanks to its grand ballroom and picturesque landscape. An array of Jodie's celebrity pals joined her in support of her Fripps Farm in Lindsell, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farrage. Nigel, 61, was pictured on the dance floor with Jodie as the pair enjoyed a dance together while boasting big smiles. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. EastEnders actress Jessie was also in attendance with her partner Justin Gallwell and appeared to be in good spirits. Jessie, 53, wore a floral-coloured dress, which featured a plunging neckline and paired the frock with open-toe heels. Singer Tony Hadley serenated the packed crowd during the night with his hits, as they gathered in front of the stage for his performance. Rod Stewart's son Alastair was also pictured at the event, playfully wearing a Jodie Marsh mask as he was snapped with the ex-model. Jodie's fundraiser comes just over a week after she won a bitter legal battle to keep eight lemurs at her animal sanctuary. The ex-lads' mags favourite had appealed against a council's refusal to grant her a wild animal licence for Fripps Farm in Lindsell, Essex. Uttlesford District Council blocked the application last year after members claimed she treated the animals there as 'pets' after hearing she had taken a baby meerkat and an owl to a pub. There were also concerns about noise. But Marsh – who uses funds from OnlyFans to pay for the upkeep of more than 400 animals at the sanctuary including emus and reptiles – claimed she was the victim of criticism from online trolls. She also said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had no concerns about animals in her care following inspections. Jodie, previously known for her infamous belt outfits, recently described herself as 'fat and the happiest she's ever been'. The reality star told The Sun: 'You might recognise me as someone that used to be glamorous, sexy, a bodybuilder and everything else, but now I'm just a farm girl and I look a mess.' Jodie added: 'The reason I'm now fat and haven't got a six pack is because I don't have time to eat properly or even do the food shopping. Not ever. 'I used to cook healthy meals and don't have time for that anymore. I don't gym at the moment either. I don't have time. It's manic.'
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Nigel Farage is seen grinning from ear to ear as he joins Jodie Marsh on dance floor at star-studded bash
NIGEL Farage swapped ballots for ballroom as he danced with former model Jodie Marsh at a fundraiser for her animal charity. The Reform UK leader, 61, proved he was the life of the party during the bash at Quendon Hall in Essex last night. 7 Farage donned a dark-blue velvet suit for the event, while documentary maker Jodie opted for a stunning dark green gown. The unlikely duo became the perfect dance partners during the charity ball, which she hosted to raise funds for her Fripps Farm Animal Sanctuary. It was opened by Jodie in 2020 and she currently pays for the centre out of her own pocket. The evening hoped to generate some extra income in aid of animal welfare and the sanctuary's ongoing rescue work. As well as the political heavyweight, several other guests of honour were in attendance at the bash. Footage showed Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley performing at Friday night's fundraiser. Eastenders favourite Jessie Wallace and Rod Stewart 's son Alastair were also spotted dancing during the festivities. Despite not being there in person, it is understood that Oasis star Noel Gallagher donated a guitar and two tickets to be auctioned for the event, which raised £6,000. Posts on the Fripps Farm Instagram page showed Jodie shaving off one attendee's hair to raise money for the charity. Posing with both friends and family during the evening, she hailed them as "the best supporters to have". On the official website, Fripps Farm is described as a "loving home" to unwanted animals. It says: "Owned by former model and documentary maker Jodie Marsh, Fripps Farm is currently home to over 250 animals, many of which have been saved from slaughter. "Jodie gives a loving home to animals that are either unwanted or in danger of being put to sleep/slaughtered. "With the correct nutrition, care and expertise Jodie has also brought sick or injured animals back from the brink of death. "Followers of the farm can clearly see how loved the animals are and how special Jodie's bond is with them. "All animals welcome at Fripps Farm." 7 7 7
