Why Sunderland model appeared on E4’s The Sex Clinic to inspire young women to ‘get tested’

A Sunderland model who promotes body positivity has featured on a national TV show with the hope of inspiring young women to ‘get tested’.
Michelle Ball,21, featured on The Sex Clinic. Picture by Channel 4.Michelle Ball,21, featured on The Sex Clinic. Picture by Channel 4.
Michelle Ball,21, featured on The Sex Clinic. Picture by Channel 4.

Michelle Ball, of Castletown, featured in E4’s new health series The Sex Clinic after finding lumps on her inner thighs.

Straight-talking Michelle was examined by Dr Naomi Sutton who discovered the excess skin was in fact skin tags.

Michelle wants to encourage others to 'get tested' if they're ever concerned. Picture by Channel 4.Michelle wants to encourage others to 'get tested' if they're ever concerned. Picture by Channel 4.
Michelle wants to encourage others to 'get tested' if they're ever concerned. Picture by Channel 4.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 21-year-old hopes to encourage other young women to get checked out if they have any concerns about their health.

And she also wants to raise awareness for women to attend their smear tests and would encourage anyone under the age of 25 to ask for an examination if they have any concerns.

Michelle said: “I wanted to spread awareness for young people to get tested.

“I’m passionate about the subject and spreading awareness.

Michelle Ball appeared on E4's The Sex ClinicMichelle Ball appeared on E4's The Sex Clinic
Michelle Ball appeared on E4's The Sex Clinic

“It’s inspired me to try and work on a campaign, Don’t Fear the Smear, and I’ve had a lot of support already.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“If I can go and get tested on national television then you can do it behind a curtain at the doctors.

“They see thousands of body parts and it’s not something we should be embarrassed about.

“I’ve already had smear tests just through personal worry really.

Michelle BallMichelle Ball
Michelle Ball

“It was all fine but I want to encourage other young women to go, it’s nothing to be scared or embarrassed about.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Michelle, who is now trained as a dog groomer and is working towards opening her own shop with mum Michelle Kingsley, opened up about her recent break up with her fiancée on the show.

The couple were together for four years and the pair had split just months before the show was filmed last summer.

Michelle held back tears as she admitted that she still missed her partner and said she played a big role in boosting her own body confidence.

“I’d like to think that I came across as quiet confident,” said Michelle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It wasn’t an easy thing to do especially when talking about relationships and my past.

“It was difficult opening up but I felt 10 times better for it afterwards.”

The plus-size model is also looking at expanding her TV portfolio having recently filmed to feature on ITV’s Judge Rinder and is at the interview stage for First Dates Hotel.

To watch the show visit www.channel4.com/programmes/the-sex-clinic/on-demand