Former The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Turner has admitted to seeing his slimmed-down style as inspired by "heroin chic" after posting his latest series of images.

The reality TV star was seen posing shirtless with just a cropped satin waistcoat and cropped pinstripe flared trousers for his outing, setting off his look with a grey baker boy cap and silver rosary beads.

Joey, 20, seized his opportunity to hit out at critics of his look - which previously sparked concern with TOWIE fans - by responding to an article by Dazed which raised the question if the '90s trend of glamorising drug usage and waif-like bodies is making a comeback.

Joey Turner
Joey Turner worries fans with 'heroin chic' snaps - go to rep for comment

He wrote: "Everyone stop copying me!!! Honestly I think I can see the future without realising it, bcos I did the whole 2000s thing way before it become a trend and same with the heroin chic thing, like everything that ends up becoming a trend I did it before."

Joey then went on to use the moment to hit back at those who have criticised his look despite his reassurance that he is "fine."

He continued: "I also bet when it becomes a 'trend' people won't get crucified for it the way i did, because it's just a 'trend', anyways I ran so you could walk, enjoy heroin chic, it's my gift to you all."

Joey Turner
Joey admitted being inspired by 'heroin chic'

Joey captioned his post with the words from the Catholic Hail Mary prayer and Latin opera song Sancta Maria.

He wrote: "Sancta Maria, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

The TV star turned fashion designer previously released a statement dismissing claims that his weight was worrying.

He wrote: "I am not your role model. If I'm honest I'm not phased by the comments, I just want those who are about me to know I'm okay.

Joey Turner
The star has previously issued a statement about his slim look

"I don't care about the comments simply because it's hard to care for the opinions of people that know nothing about me, my diet, my metabolism or my medical history with my weight.

"I'm a 20-year-old student, I'm not on TV. I'm a student like any other and I am not your role model, so if you want someone to look up to I suggest putting someone else on a pedestal because I am not him."

He then toldThe Sun: "I weigh seven and half stone, but I don't weigh myself. I don't care about how much I weigh. I am skinny, I can't help that I am skinny."

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