Strictly Come Dancing’s Neil Jones has shocked fans with claims he hasn’t eaten in four days.
The 36-year-old, husband to fellow TV dancer Katya Jones, told followers on Instagram yesterday only water had passed his lips in the previous 96 hours.
And although the German-born Brit advised he was not promoting fasting, many observers were concerned the choreographer had gone too far with his extreme approach.
“I’ve been asked soooo many times why am I doing this and it’s mainly for the health benefits such as insulin resistance, growth of cancer cells, heart disease and arthritis and cleaning my body but also will power,” Neil captioned a snap of himself.
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He added: “I can honestly say it was not easy and I have been preparing for about three weeks by cutting down my meal intake and type of foods.”
Neil also recommended medical advice should always be sought before fasting because it can be “dangerous”, even though he felt it was a “great experience” for his mind and body.
However, despite stating anyone under 18, pregnant or those suffering with eating disorders, diabetes and heart problems should not take a similar route, some fans were not impressed.
“This is really not great in terms of disordered eating and really really triggering for those of us with eating disorders,” claimed one fan.
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“Please think before discussing topics that can be so harmful. EDs destroy lives.”
Another user warned Neil to consider taking it down a notch in future.
“Please be careful,” they commented.
“From what I’ve read it’s not advised to do more than 72 hours.
“The long term effects of doing this aren’t understood, so whilst it may have some merit, it may also be harmful in the longer term.”
A different follower contributed: “I do hope that none of your younger and more vulnerable fans decide to follow your lead.”
Offering their congratulations, however, another user told Neil: “That’s proper hardcore!”
Also among the commenters was fellow Strictly pro – and host of The Greatest Dancer – Oti Mabuse.
She joked that fasting held no appeal to her because it would not sustain her womanly curves.
“Only water?” she typed.
“Nah thank you next! This [bleep] won’t feed itself lmao.”
What do you make to the health benefits of fasting?
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