Steps star dismisses weight gain jibes

Claire Richards has denied that she is following in the footsteps of Natalie Cassidy after appearing to regain some weight.

The former Steps singer lost six stone after embarking on her new DVD exercise regime 5 Step Fat but was spotted at a recent event with a curvier figure.

Onlookers claimed that the star had "fallen off the wagon", according to Heat.

Reacting to the comments, Richards told the magazine: "I was shocked to read that people thought I'd got 'fat' again.

"I have no intention of putting the weight back on, but like most women I fluctuate by a few pounds. I wouldn't go out to a big event if I was ashamed about how I looked.

"I'm still between a size 10 and a 12, and I'm really happy with the way I look. I'm just a normal girl doing her best."

Richards married record executive Reece Hill in November. Claire Richards: My Big Fat Wedding will be shown on BBC3 on April 30.