By Sarah Bull
Maria Fowler has revealed she has been suicidal following claims that she worked as a £600-an-hour escort.
The Only Way Is Essex star said she has been struggling to cope since the reports first hit the headlines, and has been relying on support from friends and family.
Maria said: 'This has ruined my life - my whole world is a mess because of these evil claims.
Suicidal: Maria Fowler says she has contemplated killing herself over claims she used to work as an escort
'When I heard what was going to be printed I felt suicidal. I just thought if I ended it all and I wasn't here any more I wouldn't have to deal with this.
'When I'm on my own I still get caught up in my own thoughts and think about killing myself. I've tried to distract from it and when I'm around people I'm OK - but it's off and on to be honest.'
The 25-year-old model also revealed she became so paranoid after the story broke that she even began to think her mother would believe she had worked as a prostitute.
Struggling: Maria admits her life has been ruined by the report
She told the Daily Star Sunday: 'It was the worst day of my life and I was in complete despair. I got so paranoid I started to worry even my mum would think I was a high-class hooker.
'I didn't eat for three days after hearing about it. To me this is worse than being accused of murder or taking drugs.'
It emerged earlier this week that Maria had allegedly met with wealthy men around the world including lawyers, bankers and sheikhs who showered her with gifts.
Exclusive agency: A gallery of the girls featured on Carltons of London, where Maria worked
Under the name Kelly, Maria worked for the exclusive agency Carltons of London from 2009.
But Maria says as far as she was concerned, she worked as a promotions girl for the company, and was paid £1,500 for a three-day trip to the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.
She said: 'I'd done hosting before in Wembley - you're there to smile, hand drinks out and chat to people.
'We were told to dress classy and cover our cleavage and no one tried it on with us at all.
'There's no way I was considered an escort by anyone there.'
Maria added she feels betrayed by the woman who employed her at Carltons.
She said: 'I was put in touch with this woman while I was a lapdancer and didn't even know her name until recently. I feel like I've been totally conned by her.
'I was naive to go on all the trips but I never sold my body for money.
'All I wanted was to build a career for myself and now my life is ruined.'
Maria said: 'I know what kind of stuff goes on now. But when I was younger I had no idea and was just flattered.
'Young girls need to be careful who they trust.
'If any good can come of this it will be if others learn from my mistakes.'
source:dailymail