Anna Friel: 'I have to stay slim'

Anna Friel has admitted that staying in shape is a vital part of her job as an actress.

The Pushing Daisies star told the Daily Express that she would lose out on US roles if her figure wasn't impressive enough.

"You do have to stay slim and you can't make excuses," Friel, 33, explained. "Looking good is a serious business and you have to make a decision to go along with it or else you're just not going to get any work.

"In the beginning, I had such an awful time that I just wanted to run back home but looking back today I'm glad I stuck it out."

Friel recently defended Daisies following ABC's decision to axe the show, describing the comedy-drama as "groundbreaking" television.