Mollie Pearce on colitis, body confidence and learning to love her stoma

19/06/20262 min read

Mollie Pearce joins Ellie Taylor for a refreshingly open conversation about living with an invisible illness (ulcerative colitis), stoma surgery and using her platform to help others

In this episode of Back Your Body, Mollie Pearce opens up to Ellie Taylor about growing up with ulcerative colitis, having life-changing surgery at 18 and learning to celebrate her body with pride, not shame. She shares how The Traitors gave her a platform to start wider conversations and why representation makes waves of serious, positive impact. Plus, H&B Science Specialist Patille Joy Madaghjian breaks down the science behind collagen and skin – discussing its potential role in firmness and elasticity – before Mollie reveals the habits, supplements and routines that help her feel her best day to day.

“My stoma has changed my life so much. I wouldn’t be without it now – but that’s come with time”

Timestamps

[00:00] Meet Mollie Pearce: Learning to trust her body

[01:06] From “never a marathon” to five in five days

[03:45] Living with ulcerative colitis from age 11

[05:55] Meet Sid: the stoma that changed everything

[06:28] The power of seeing someone who looks like you

[07:42] What ulcerative colitis really feels like

[08:47] Opening up on The Traitors

[10:25] Dancing on Ice and life outside her comfort zone

[11:37] The body part Mollie is proudest of

[13:29] Modelling with a limb difference

[14:43] The Tommy Hilfiger shoot nobody saw behind the scenes

[16:33] Why modelling complicated her self-confidence

[17:28] The best advice Mollie’s mum ever gave her

[18:19] Fitness, collagen & looking after her body today

[19:58] Mental health, walking and finding calm

[21:35] Coping with online hate after The Traitors

[23:29] Science break: Does collagen actually work?

[26:16] The stack: Mollie’s quick-fire answers

“If someone doesn’t like me because of my limb difference, my stoma or anything about myself, then they’re not worth my time anyway”

Products discussed

Mollie discussed the following products and wellbeing habits in this episode:

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Disclaimer – The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Holland & Barrett. The content is intended for general conversation and informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical, nutritional or other professional advice. If you are considering taking any supplements or products mentioned, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or speak to one of our qualified in-store colleagues before doing so. Listener discretion is advised, as some topics discussed may be sensitive or potentially triggering.