Ray Winstone reveals secret health battle that saw him give up booze for good

RAY Winstone has revealed the real reason he was forced to quit booze, saying it was due to a secret health condition. The film star has admitted he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, forcing him to make major changes to his lifestyle. Ray has revealed he quit drinking after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes Credit: Harriet Langford The actor overhauled his lifestyle and cut sugar from his diet Credit: Getty Ray, who previously enjoyed a pint or two, decided to give up alcohol for good after receiving the diagnosis. Speaking on the Dish from Waitrose podcast, the 69-year-old said: “I got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, so that was one of the reasons I stopped drinking. I made up my mind I was going to do that.” Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! His diagnosis also prompted him to reassess his diet and cut out sugar, with astonishing results. Ray explained that he was able to send his diabetes into remission within months of overhauling his diet. The 69-year-old opened up on the Dish from Waitrose podcast Credit: Harriet Langford Ray said his diabetes went into remission within five months Credit: Alamy He said: “Sugar, it’s in drinks, it’s in Coca-Cola, it’s in everything. So I stopped it, and within five months I didn’t have type 2 anymore.” However, the star admitted he still allows himself one sugary vice as an occasional treat. He said: “I’ll have caramel ice cream in the fridge, salted caramel ice cream. “And every now and then, because I’ve been a good boy and I’ve done everything the right way, I’ll get a dish, I’ll get a bowl and I’ll put caramel ice cream in, loads of it, with a load of honey over it. Or treacle. And nuts!” Most read in Showbiz Ray is currently gearing up for the release of the second series of Netflix hit The Gentlemen, which returns on September 3. Dish by Waitrose is hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, with new episodes released every Wednesday. Comment now