Spencer Matthews Says Drinking Is Still 'a Slippery Slope' – Here's How He's Taking Back Control

Spencer Matthews may be known these days for record-breaking endurance feats, but the Men's Health cover star says his relationship with alcohol is something he still has to manage carefully

Before becoming a father, entrepreneur and endurance athlete, Matthews spent years working in finance while starring on Made In Chelsea. Drinking was often woven into both his professional and social life.

'You'd feel pretty dusty arriving at your desk the following morning because you'd had several pints and probably a few cocktails, too,' he says.

At the time, drinking frequently spilled into the next day, creating a cycle that became increasingly difficult to break.

The turning point came after meeting his now-wife, Vogue Williams.

'I didn't want to lose her,' Matthews says.

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Looking back, he describes that period as a significant shift in his life. Rather than continuing down a self-destructive path, he began focusing on becoming healthier, more disciplined and more purposeful with his time.

That doesn't mean alcohol has disappeared from his life entirely. In fact, Matthews is candid about the fact that it's something he continues to think about.

'If I were to suddenly decide to prioritise socialising again, that would probably end up in a rough place for me,' he says.

Instead, he's become far more intentional about when and where he drinks. These days, he prefers occasions he can control, such as family gatherings or lunches, rather than environments that might encourage old habits.

As a result, the time once spent drinking has been redirected into fitness, recovery and business ventures. The difference, Matthews says, is that alcohol no longer dictates his decisions.

'I don't walk past a packed pub on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and look at people and go, "God, I wish I was in there having a few cold pints,"' he says.

'It doesn't feel like a big, ugly creature on my back that has the potential to control me. But I am careful of it and I am conscious of it.'

For Matthews, that's the key distinction. Drinking, he admits, remains 'a slippery slope' – but today, he's the one setting the boundaries.

Read our full interview with Spencer at this link. You can subscribe to Men's Health by clicking here.

Isaac Williams

Site Editor

Isaac Williams is Site Editor for both Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK, guiding and supporting the content teams to create content across all platforms. Isaac’s love of health and fitness began at Loughborough University, where he graduated with a History and English degree in 2014. His first job was at Men’s Running magazine, where he progressed from Staff Writer to Editor. Among his highlights of those four years include completing a 24-hour track race (never again), just about finishing a multi-day ultramarathon in the Azores, and chugging his way around a ‘beer mile’. Isaac ventured into the world of freelance journalism in 2018, interviewing some of the biggest names in sport – like Anthony Joshua and Ben Stokes – and writing features for the likes of The Guardian, Red Bull, ShortList and BBC Countryfile. He was also a regular contributor to an adventure series called ‘The Man Who’: speaking to some of the world’s most extreme explorers from the wilds of Caffè Nero. In late-2019, Isaac became Editor of Men’s Fitness UK. In his five years there, Isaac was responsible for editing the monthly magazine and managing website content, ultimately helping the brand transition to a ‘digital-first’ approach. He joined Hearst UK as Multiplatform Editor in December 2024, where he manages day-to-day digital output, edits content and writes articles on all things health and fitness. When he’s not hammering at his keyboard, Isaac enjoys exercise and trying –  unsuccessfully, so far – to teach his baby son to kick a football. You can follow Isaac on Instagram @isaacw1993.