BILLERICAY’S own Richard Osman has opened up for the first time about his newfound love and his battle against food addiction.

The 6ft 7ins comedian, best known for being creator and co-presenter of the TV quiz show Pointless, spoke on Desert Island Disc’s about having therapy in his 30s to address his food issues.

And he compared the issue to other addictions, saying it was “identical” to the experience of people who are hooked to drink and drugs, describing “The secrecy of consuming these things, the shame behind it.”

He said: “If an alcoholic came to my house they would be shocked to see bottles of gin and bottles of wine, completely untouched. Because an alcoholic couldn’t have that in their house.

“And if I came to your house and there were crisps or chocolate bars untouched in the fridge, I’d be like ‘What? How are they untouched?’ - if I’m going through an episode.”

The father-of-two added: “Food is a tricky one, because booze and drugs you can just give up. Unbelievably difficult but a zero tolerance policy.

“Whereas if you’re addicted to food or to love or all these things that are sustaining, you do still have to have them, and so it’s quite a hard one to work your way out of.”

Osman found fame with Pointless in 2009, which he presents with his university friend Alexander Armstrong. He has also worked on shows such as Deal Or No Deal, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, and Have I Got News For You.

While Osman spoke about the struggles in his life, he is currently enjoying new heights in his career and private life.

As well as Pointless he currently hosts Richard Osman’s House of Games, and his novel The Man Who Died Twice was published last year and promptly became one of the best-performing novels since records began in the 1990s, selling 114,202 copies in the first three days it was available.

He has also spoken about his relationship with Doctor Who actress Ingrid Oliver, saying: “I’ve found the woman I will be with for the rest of my life."