Katie Piper on sharing her ‘dirty secret’ with the world: “All the shame went away”

Katie Piper has opened up about the relief she felt after sharing her “dirty secret” with the world

Katie Piper

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

There’s no denying that Katie Piper is one of the most inspirational and courageous women we know.

In 2008, the beautiful young model and TV presenter was raped by her former boyfriend after she spurned his advances.

He then arranged for another man to throw sulphuric acid in her face as she left her London home.

The shocking attack melted away her nose, left ear and eyelids, burned her mouth, tongue, arms, hand, neck and cleavage, damaged a lung, and left her blinded in one eye.

Katie’s injuries were so horrific she was expected to die.

But, over 200 operations later, Katie has proven to be a survivor... and a true inspiration.

Nowadays she is happily married to her partner, Richard James Sutton, and a doting mother to her daughter, Belle Elizabeth.

She’s also rediscovered her confidence and self esteem - which she puts down to something that may surprise you.

Speaking to the Mail Online, Katie said that making a television show about her horrific acid attack was one of the "best things" she has ever done.

She told them firmly: "In my experience, making a documentary was one of the best things I ever did.

“All that embarrassment and shame went away, because sometimes it makes it easier to go out and about."

The mother-of-one continued: "It’s cathartic; it’s a relief it’s all off your shoulders.

“It’s not a dirty secret anymore almost."

Katie is now hoping to help others overcome their insecurities in the same way, thanks to her new Channel 4 programme, Never Seen A Doctor.

Explaining that it’s what’s on the inside that truly counts, she said: ”I definitely think it's set themselves free.

“It is a cathartic experience, it is controlled and it's safe, and it's going to give them good memories and a good experience of going to the doctor.”

Never Seen A Doctor airs on Wednesdays at 10pm on Channel 4.

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