Super-fit soap star Gemma Atkinson has spoken out about how the death of her dad left her binging on booze and bad food.
The 34-year-old former Strictly star told The Mirror she has struggled with her weight in the past – and was even dubbed “thunder thighs” by bullies at school.
Ex Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress Gemma also revealed she turned to comfort food again after splitting from footballer Marcus Bent in 2008.
But since taking on a personal trainer in 2012, the Bury beauty has taken control of her weight struggles.
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Now she’s launched a health and fitness book to help fans take a similar path to better living.
According to the tabloid, Gemma exercises four times per week with her dancer boyfriend Gorka Marquez.
And alongside a calorie-controlled diet, Gemma reckons she feels more confident about her body than ever before.
Gemma was just 17 when she lost her dad in 2002.
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David Atkinson died after suffering a heart attack – and Gemma tried to block out the pain by eating treats and big nights out with her pals.
She previously told OK! magazine: “He was only 52 – he didn’t smoke or drink, he ate well and he died of a heart attack.
“I don’t think you should fret about the little stuff but that experience definitely made me appreciate life more.”
However, the devastation of his loss did leave Gemma going off the rails for a while.
“I’d think nothing of going out on an evening and sinking five shots of vodka,” she told the news outlet.
“My friends and I would go out on Friday and Saturday nights drinking, having a McDonald’s on the Saturday and a big Chinese takeaway on the Sunday.”
To find out more about the exercise regime that has helped Gemma hone her body and mind, check out The Ultimate Body Plan, published by Harper Thorsons.
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