Saturday, 10 February 2007

Kim Tiddy: I love colonic irrigation

But the Bill star doesn't use it to lose weight

In her teens Kim played basketball for England, so staying in shape has always been high on her agenda. But she turned down a scholarship in America to concentrate on acting. Now best known as PC Honey Harman in The Bill, she says she still loves keeping fit.

How do you stay in shape?

I go to the gym and do spinning classes, which are hard but addictive. I also do a thing called Power Plate, which vibrates and you do squats on it. I love to run, but I’ve hurt my knee, so recently I’ve been on the cross-trainer instead.

I used to be quite hardcore about going to the gym, but I’ve relaxed about it recently. I started doing Pilates recently and I’ve really noticed the difference. I’m much more toned. I want to take swimming lessons to get my technique right and my breathing better. I can run for miles and I’m fine, but get me in a swimming pool and I’m out of breath after one length!

Have you always been into fitness?

I used to play basketball for England, so I’ve always exercised. I started when I was 13 and did all the age groups up to the senior women’s team. I was offered a scholarship to America, but I decided to go to drama school instead.

What’s your usual diet?

I eat porridge for breakfast and lots of salad, fruit, fish and vegetables. I eat chocolate every day, but I have Lindt dark chocolate and you only need a little bit.

I’m lucky because my mum always cooked healthy food, so it’s what I’m used to. I’ve just tried those gojo berries, though, and they taste awful!

Whose figure do you admire?

I think Pink has a great body and, in her prime, Britney Spears did to. I like athletic figures.
I think size zero stars are really unhealthy.

What do you like and dislike about your body?

I have freakishly small hands. Someone thought I was 36 the other day just looking at them! I’ve got broad shoulders and I used to shy away from strappy clothes, but I quite like backless things now because I think my back is OK. Being on TV does make you harder on yourself, though.

Do you ever use alternative medicines?

I have colonic irrigation sometimes, which is great and you feel really elated afterwards. But you don’t lose weight like some people claim.

Have you ever been in hospital?

I had my appendix out when I was 15, but at first they thought it was just food poisoning because I’d eaten oysters! I still can’t touch them.

Do you agree with cosmetic surgery?

It’s personal choice, but I think it’s lovely when people grow old gracefully. I’d consider having it, but I don’t think I’m brave enough. I don’t like my frown, so I’d consider Botox, but I’d much rather stay fit than go under the knife.

What’s your best health tip?

My mum told me to feed my skin from within, so I take oily vitamins such as vitamin E and cod liver oil. If I ever run out of face cream, I just break open a vitamin E capsule.