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Wednesday, 21 March 2007

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Hayley Tamaddon: If I got too skinny I'd look like a nose on legs

The Emmerdale actress boxes to keep her weight in check

Do you watch your weight?

Before I joined Emmerdale in July 2005, I never had to bother about what I ate. I was a dancer, so I was really fit and toned. I even had a six-pack! When I joined the show, I found it difficult to find time to exercise and was eating a lot of stodge in the canteen. And my character was eating in almost every scene!

How much have you put on since starting?

It's crept up about 7lb, so I'm now 8½st. And because TV adds about a stone, I was looking even heavier. Mum would ring and say: 'Have you put on a few pounds, pet?'

What exercise do you do?

I go to the gym three times a week. I love the cross trainer and do sit- ups and some weights. I also box at home with my boyfriend Darren [Charles]. I prefer things that are fun – you almost forget you're doing them.

What do you eat during the day?

I try to start with hot water and lemon. I used to have toast with butter and jam for breakfast, but now I have a bowl of blueberries and cherries. For lunch I'll have a jacket potato or a salad.

What's a normal evening meal?

My boyfriend's a dancer, so he's really healthy and cooks me great low-fat dinners. He makes an amazing casserole, which is chicken, fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, peppers, courgettes, onions and stock. You serve it with sweet potato mash and it's the tastiest thing ever!

What's your biggest diet downfall?

I'm a sugar freak. I have a cupboard at home that used to have loads of chocolate in, but now has healthier options. I recently discovered Blue Riband bars are only 100 calories, so they're in there. Jaffa Cakes, Milky Ways and Flakes aren't too bad either. I can't go without my chocolate, so I had to find a way around it.

Do you use other cheats?

I don't eat low-fat products because they're often packed with sweeteners and additives – I'd rather have less of something I like.

Have you tried any diets?

Yes, Atkins. I lasted a day and a half before being sick and shaking uncontrollably. That was the first and last time I tried a fad diet.

What's the largest you've ever been?

When I was at college I went up to 9st when I had a back injury. It doesn't sound much, but when you're 5ft 2in it looks a lot bigger.

Is it true you were bullied for the way you looked at school?

Yes. I was a dark, hairy girl when I was a kid, but as I grew up I found the tweezers!

What do you like most about your figure?

I'm a size 10 and I'm happy with how I look. I've got a nice pair of boobs and a nice bum. If I could lose a few pounds I'd like to lose it off my hips and belly, but it's only when I have to do a photo shoot, I'm like: 'Quick! Get me to the gym!'

What do you think of celebs trying to be a size 0?

It's absolutely stupid. When my mum was young she used to have a 19in waist, but she was naturally thin and as she got older she got curves. It doesn't look natural on most celebs. Nicole Richie makes me feel ill. Girls look better with a bit of meat on them. If I got too skinny I'd look like a nose on legs!

Which celeb's figure do you most admire?

I used to love Cheryl Tweedy's figure – she had curves and muscly legs, but I think she's lost a bit too much weight recently. I like Emma Bunton and Martine McCutcheon because they're not too skinny, but they look stunning.

Do you ever detox?

No, but I do juice lots of lovely fruit and treat that a bit like a detox. If I drink juice before eating it helps fill me up and it's so good for you.

Do you take any supplements?

I take a few things to keep my digestive system as healthy as possible. The best thing I've found is golden linseed. They're tiny seeds that are high in fibre and fatty acids and stimulate your intestines. I have a tablespoon with cereal, fruit or yogurt.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?

Oh yeah! I'd have whatever I needed. If my boobs dropped to my knees then I'd get them sorted. I'd consider liposuction, but not now because I'm still young. If surgery will help you feel happier then go for it, but tell the truth about it. I hate it when people lie and say they haven't had surgery when they obviously have.

What's your best diet tip?

Drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit. You don't have to cut out all the foods you love when there's so much exercise out there that's good fun. Hula Hooping or skipping at home is a laugh. You don't have to go to the gym and look at all the skinny girls in hotpants – although seeing them when I'm on the running machine only makes me want to work harder. It's like: 'Right, if you can do it then so can I!

Karen Dunn