Reality TV star Ronan releases book to help with bullying

27 June 2018

REALITY TV regular Ronan Rice has written a book outlining his adventures to date and giving hope to those being bullied.

The Downpatrick lad, who has several big shows under his belt, including MTV show Ex on the Beach: Body SOS, cutting edge TLC dating show Undressed, and Channel 4’s One Night with my Ex, looks likely to be back on our screens soon.

In the meantime, he hopes his book ‘Finding Myself’ will provide inspiration to other young people — especially those who might be going through a hard time.

Ronan explained that he was bullied at school over his sexuality. “I was very open about my sexuality in school,” he said. “I never came out but I was always known as the ‘gay boy’. Everyone knew me as the ‘gay guy’.

“Many people get bullied and people don’t like other people talking about their problems all the time. Everyone has a sad story. But I hope I can help other people through a difficult time. When you read the book, you see a struggle with confidence but you also have a perspective of what it is like after bullying.

“It’s also about my childhood and growing up and my values.”

Ronan added: “I really hope other people are inspired reading it, especially young guys.

“There is support out there for young girls. But young guys need support as well.”

With talks underway for more upcoming reality shows, including a big prime time hit, Ronan admits that it can sometimes be a brutal world known for denting confidence as well as inspiring it.

“I think it’s worked out well for me so far as I have sat down with my family and discussed what shows I am going to do,” he said.

“My mum is my best friend. She has been brilliant, really supportive. I think they were a bit worried initially in case it would be a bad experience. But I think I have been true to myself. My family are 100 per cent honest with me. They are proud of me.”

The idea to write a book came from one of the producers working on ‘Ex on the Beach’, and it’s a show that has continued to reap benefits for Ronan.

“Ex on the Beach Body SOS is a weight loss show and although it was a tough 12 weeks, it has done me so much good.

“At first I did not notice how much I was changing but when I saw the before and after pictures I was very pleasantly surprised. It had a positive impact and helped me develop a positive mindset.”

Ronan has now relaxed his regime to allow some more pizza on to the menu but is still enjoying carrying on with the exercise.

He also continues to enjoy the “buzz” he gets from the feedback to his shows, and hopes to realise his dream one day of being a TV presenter.

Finding Myself will be released on July 16.

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