When controversial TV show Benefits Street was aired in January, Fungi- real name Seamus Clarke- was shown spending his benefits money on booze and drugs.
The 45 year old was disowned by his family over his addiction.
But after a 12-week stint in rehab, Fungi has managed to get clean and is now happily settled with girlfriend Kaya Mannings, 21.
Fungi, who currently lives with his sister in Cardiff, says: "When I was on Benefits Street I spent all day drinking and doing drugs. My life was going nowhere and I could have died if I'd carried on using. But rehab was the push I needed and now I've been clean for four months.
"Kaya is the best thing that's ever happened to me. She supports me and I'm determined to stay clean for her. I'll never go back to my old life."
Kaya- a massage therapy student from London- adds: "I'd seen Benefits Street and knew who Fungi was. We met after he'd been through rehab and clicked straight away. I want us to have a future together- I'll make sure he doesn't get tempted by drink or drugs."
**Read more in this week's Closer magazine, out Tuesday. **