Ashley James Opens Up About Life with 30GG Boobs: "They’ve Wrecked My Life Since I Was 14

Ashley says she has been branded 'sex mad' and a prude over her curvy figure

TV presenter and former Made in Chelsea star Ashley James has revealed how her 30GG bust has impacted her life since she was a teenager, from being sexualized at school to facing judgment in her career. Now 37, Ashley shared her candid thoughts on the challenges of living with a curvy figure, including being given detention for hugging her brother and feeling pressured to "sex it up" for TV.

Ashley was conscious of her boobs throughout school and university

A Lifetime of Judgment

Ashley’s struggles with her body began at the age of 14 when she developed a 30GG chest while attending Mowden Hall, a prestigious boarding school in Northumberland. As one of only 37 girls in a school of 500 boys, she quickly became the subject of unwanted attention and sexualization.

"I was a child in every sense, but I was suddenly sexualized because of my body," Ashley recalled on the It Can’t Just Be Me podcast. "Boys would ask me graphic questions, and even teachers treated me like I was 'sex-mad.' I got detention for hugging my brother because they were worried about what people in town would think."

Ashley is now a much-loved member of the This Morning team

From Covering Up to "Sexing It Up"

As a teenager, Ashley was told to "cover up" if she wanted to be taken seriously, leading her to adopt a more conservative style. However, this also drew criticism, with some labeling her as "prudish."

She insists she 'doesn't like' her boobs

Her relationship with her body became even more complicated when she entered the entertainment industry. After joining Made in Chelsea, Ashley was advised by her agent to "sex it up" to boost her career. "I was suddenly thrust into a world where my success depended on how sexy I looked," she said. "It was a complete contrast to how I’d been told to behave growing up."

Career Challenges and Motherhood

Ashley’s natural curves have also cost her work opportunities. She revealed that one brand refused to work with her, claiming they needed someone "more feminist." "I am a feminist," Ashley said. "I’m just wearing clothes on a body. It’s so sad that women feel they can’t wear certain things because of how they’ll be judged."

Even in motherhood, Ashley has faced scrutiny. While breastfeeding her son, she was criticized for "attention-seeking" when she shared her experiences online. "I didn’t pay for my boobs, I didn’t want them, and I don’t even particularly like them," she said. "But at no point in my life have I wanted people to focus on them."

Finding Empowerment

Despite the challenges, Ashley has learned to embrace her body and reject societal expectations. "Now I don’t give a f***," she declared. "I’m absolutely sick of feeling like I have to present myself in a way that makes society not judge me."

After becoming mum to Alfie and Ada she was even slammed for breastfeeding

Ashley, who is now a mother of two, hopes her story will inspire other women to feel confident in their own skin. "It’s so mad that women feel they can’t wear certain things because of their body type," she said. "We shouldn’t have to change who we are to fit someone else’s idea of morality or professionalism."

A Message of Self-Acceptance

Ashley’s journey is a powerful reminder of the pressures women face to conform to societal standards. By sharing her story, she’s challenging stereotypes and encouraging others to embrace their bodies without shame or apology.