Christopher Eccleston has spoken for the first time about his "lifelong" struggle with anorexia.
The former Doctor Who actor, 55, said that he has never previously spoken about his experience as he is "northern," "male" and "working class."
Writing in his autobiography, I Love the Bones of You, Eccleston said that he was "very ill" during his season-long stint as the Doctor on the classic sci-fi show.
"Many times I've wanted to reveal that I'm a lifelong anorexic and dysmorphic," he wrote.
"I never have. I always thought of it as a filthy secret, because I'm northern, because I'm male and because I'm working class."
Describing himself as a "lifelong body-hater," the actor added that he was worried he had a "pot belly" and "knobbly knees" from the age of six.
The father-of-two also addressed his experiences of clinical depression, revealing that he was diagnosed with the condition after splitting from his wife Mischka in 2015.
"I was in a state of extreme anxiety, convinced I was either going to die or I was going to kill myself," he recalled.
"In my despair I reached for my phone and looked up a psychiatric hospital, I rang ahead, grabbed my bag and ran."
The Emmy-winner said that he could continue to take antidepressants "for the rest of my days" but admitted that he would like to "reduce the dose" over fears the drugs could "deaden” his creative side.
I Love The Bones Of You also charts Eccleston’s upbringing in 1970s Salford, the impact of his father's dementia and the rest of his career
It is released on September 19.
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123, visit a local Samaritans branch or visit them online. If you have been affected by eating disorders, BEAT can provide advice and support on 0808 801 0677 or at beateatingdisorders.org.uk.
