Home and Away star Lincoln Lewis' transformation after catfish scandal

Months after his identity was brought into in an almost unbelievable cat fishing scandal, Lincoln Lewis is feeling positive.

The former Home and Away star made the return to the spotlight on the cover of Men’s Health, after feeling ‘broken’ while battling depression.

Lincoln’s comeback

“It had got to the point where I was finding it harder and harder to look people in the eye. I was withdrawing, and not a little bit — a lot,” he told the magazine.

“I’d become someone who wasn’t me.”

As part of his transformation, Lincoln took part in a 12-week fitness regime under the supervision of celebrity trainer Jono Castano.

Coordinated by Men’s Health, the program saw the actor lose 12.5kgs and 7.8 per cent of his body fat in the months after the scandal broke in April.

The 31-year-old also cut out sugar and alcohol, worked out six times a week and upped his protein consumption to 45 per cent.

Luckily for Lincoln, his efforts are more than evident and were put on full display in the magazine’s cover shoot which showed off his new 75kg frame.

Feeling grateful

Taking to Instagram, the actor explained how much of a mental shift followed the health kick, calling it a ‘beautiful opportunity’.

“For a decent amount of time I’d been stuck in a constant spiral that had left me pretty heavily broken,” he wrote.

“I never spoke [out] because I felt I never wanted to burden anyone around me but also because I thought “I’ll be sweet, time will fix it...[but] something that wasn’t right or healthy at all.”

He went on to explain just how far the spiral went before seeking help, adding depression ‘took away a big part of [his] natural happiness’ and ‘epic spark for life’.

“Never forget - you’re never alone,” he told followers. “There’s always those that care and wanting what’s best for you and it’s never weak to speak.”

The transformation follows a dramatic year for the star after he it was revealed his details had been used by a catfish who posed as him to communicate with women online.

The scandal was uncovered in an ABC Investigations report which detailed how tricked women into thinking they were dating the media personality as part of a scam which went on for several years.

One of the catfish’s victims tragically later took her own life.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800