It’s all about the journey – and hopefully getting their hands on that famous glitterball trophy.
But for some celebrities, one side-effect of taking part in Strictly Come Dancing is that they lose some weight and boost their fitness while learning to dance.
It isn’t always a positive thing though, as Alesha Dixon admitted she didn’t like how slim she’d become after the show.
Even this year, contestants such as Dan Walker and Judi Love have revealed they shed the pounds after just a few weeks strutting their stuff on the BBC show,
Now, with just weeks until the finale of the 2021 series, Daily Star is taking a look at some of the famous faces who slimmed down on the ballroom floor.
Dan Walker
Last month, BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker wrote on Instagram: “Working on my new dancey posture with @sallynugenttv on the BBC Breakfast this morning.
“Also noticed that my trousers were a bit loosey goosey. Turns out I’ve lost a third of a stone already dancing with @nadiyabychkova!!”
In 2018, he told Waitrose Weekend: “One of the issues involved with getting up at a daft time is food.
“Lots of people with early start experience have warned me about the extra meal issue. A double breakfast is required when you get up so early – one at stupid o’clock and another a more conventional hour.”
Judi Love
The Loose Women presenter, who contracted Covid and missed a week before returning to the show for one last weekend, told Tess Daly on her departure: “Can I say thanks to Strictly for helping me lose a stone and a half.”
Judi previously shared that she had lost four pounds just a few weeks into the series.
Sadly, she was the fifth celebrity to be eliminated back in October.
Bill Bailey
Reigning champion Oti Mabuse shared a photo of her co-winner and dance partner Bill.
She praised the comedian’s incredible weight loss on Instagram, writing: “Who is this person? How much weight did @the_bill_bailey lose? Wow – I should definitely run a dance school and help people lose weight through dance, also Mrs Bailey’s very healthy meals have helped #danceismylife #newandimproved #skinnymini.”
During an interview on Lorraine he revealed ahead of last year’s final that he’d lost almost two stone.
“Most of my clothes don’t close now. I feel [healthier, better]. It’s very demanding,” said the comedian.
“I’m going to have to get some new clothes – that’s on my Christmas list. It’s a great workout.”
Alesha Dixon
Before she became a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Alesha Dixon – then best known for being a member of girl group Mis-Teeq – was crowned champion of the show in 2007.
She said about her unwanted weight loss: “I was training for 10 hours a day and my body was simply exhausted. By the time I got to the final I’d lost one stone. I really didn’t like how thin I was.”
Ed Balls
Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed said that his Strictly training helped him lose a stone in just six weeks.
He revealed that he would ask his wife, MP Yvette Cooper, for her feedback.
“Every day I say, ‘what do you think?’ and she says, ‘Oh yes, it’s making a difference’,” he said on This Morning.
Ed also revealed: “It’s one of the main reasons [I wanted to do the show] other than having a good time.”
Lisa Riley
Emmerdale favourite Lisa recently said of her decision to go on Strictly: “I wanted to prove people wrong that I didn’t want to be the chunky monkey. And prove everyone wrong that I could dance. I knew I had natural rhythm and I wanted to show people my skill.”
The show’s training regime helped Lisa shed a few pounds, but she has since gone on to lose a total of 12 stone.
Mark Wright
After reaching the Strictly final in 2014, former TOWIE star Mark shed 1.5 stone, but, like Alesha, wasn’t too pleased.
Mark wrote on Twitter: “First time back in the gym doing weights since before strictly started four months back. 1.5 stone lighter and I am lifting half the weight. #ahh,” before adding: “This is going to be an uphill battle!”
Fitness fanatic Mark is still all about improving his body, sharing his work outs on social media.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
