Lisa Maxwell: Pregnancy made me love my body

The actress is finally happy with her looks

Tuesday, 9 January 2007

As The Bill's DS Samantha Nixon, 42-year-old Lisa has won over a new army of fans. She first made her name starring in sketch shows with Russ Abbott and Benny Hill, and later with her own series, The Lisa Maxwell Show. She lives with her fiancé, sculptor Paul Jessop, and their daughter Bo, aged seven.

How do you stay in shape?

I always used to work out regularly, but I can honestly say I haven't done a day's exercise since I fell pregnant with my daughter seven years ago. I'm quite active, though, and I've always tried to maintain some level of fitness.

Six months ago I decided to try a keep-fit video because I can never get to the gym. I chose a Pilates one because I used to love it – I like the way it strengthens and elongates all your muscles and gives you fantastic posture. Anyway, this video started off with breathing exercises, so I lay down and two hours later I woke up at the end of the tape! I was so relaxed and I felt so energised – maybe all I really need to do is sleep more.

What do you eat in an average day?

I used to be able to eat what I wanted, but after I gave up smoking three years ago, my metabolism changed and now I have to be careful.

I'm addicted to Starbucks' soya latte with sugar-free vanilla syrup and I either have a skinny blueberry muffin or a skinny lemon and poppy seed one for breakfast every day.

I usually go for either a salad or a jacket potato in the canteen at lunchtime. My old man is a fantastic cook, so he usually makes us something healthy that I can zap in the microwave for dinner when I get in.

Is it true you once had an eating disorder?

When I was living in California for two years, I was obsessed about weight to the point where I probably did have an eating disorder.

Every time I ate I had to work out and I tried not to eat for days at a time if I thought I'd put weight on. My weight dropped to about 6st 10lb.
I thought I looked gorgeous, but my hair was thin and my nails were brittle and I just didn't look happy.

I was in the same class at stage school as Lena Zavaroni [the singer who died of anorexia] and they used to weigh us in front of the whole class. The school actually tried to put me on a diet when I was 12, but my mum refused. I think that's where my weight obsession stemmed from.

Being on TV, do you still worry about your weight?

Absolutely, although I try not to. I may be over 40 now, but it's still part of my job to look good. It doesn't help that I still think of myself as much younger than I am, so seeing myself on screen can be a brutal reality check.

Did having a baby change your body image?

When you surrender your body to having a baby, it's fantastic. It went against everything I tried to do over the years, but my partner Paul loved me throughout my pregnancy, which made me realise I didn't have to be perfect for people to like me. And if I'm too thin, my daughter Bo can't cuddle up to me because she doesn't like it!

Did having a daughter change your attitude to food?

Definitely. Becoming a mum made me adamant that she has a healthy attitude towards food. I never make a big fuss about making her clear her plate or have any dramas around food. I want her to be happy in her body, whatever shape or size it is.

What are your favourite and least favourite things about your figure?

I've always quite liked my bum and my fiancé likes it too. It sticks out quite a bit and my back arches, which was rubbish when I wanted to be a ballet dancer.

But thanks to the likes of J-Lo, I'm able to walk around sticking it out now! I don't really mind any part of me – it's taken me a long time to get there though.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?

If I had to peel my face off the pillow in the morning before I went to work, then yes,
I would. I'm a bit scared of needles and I'm not very good at operations, but I'd have something non-invasive.

My friend told me about a treatment called Thermage, which tightens the skin and has a lifting effect. But I'd never cut my face – I won't even let my daughter pierce her ears.

Do you use any alternative therapies?

I'm a big believer in homeopathy, but my partner isn't, which is very frustrating because, as soon as my daughter falls over and bumps herself, he'll go straight for the Savlon. Then, when he's not looking, I'll be treating her with arnica.

Rescue drops are great for calming and I also use agnus castus, which is good for hormone control. I take it along with another supplement called HP5, which helps moods and keeps you happy. I also take milk thistle for my liver and a women's multivitamin.