Malone: 'Gastric band is best thing ever'

Actress Tina Malone has admitted that having a gastric band fitted was the "best thing" she's ever done.

The Shameless star underwent the procedure in 2010 and described the band as her "best friend".

"I'm a fat bird. I didn't do coffee - I'd much rather do cream cakes. I do know the difference between a piece of broccoli and a cream cake, but I couldn't help myself," she told The Mirror.

"I was morbidly, clinically obese. I had to lose the weight for health and other reasons. Now I'm 2st 8lb away from my target weight."

Speaking about her weight problems, she added: "I don't come from a fat family, I simply got into the habit of overeating. I tried every diet going, but I couldn't control my weight. I'd lose a bit and then put it straight back on again.

"I'd eat bags and bags of crisps and bars of chocolate all in one sitting. I was so rotund I couldn't fold my arms easily. Now everything from sex to walking the dog feels different. I have more energy and feel much better about myself."