Cassidy: 'Staying slim is a nightmare'

Natalie Cassidy has admitted that maintaining her trim physique can be "a nightmare".

The former EastEnders actress lost two and a half stone in eight months last year and her subsequent fitness DVD became the fastest-selling ever.

However, she told Closer that keeping the weight off was proving a struggle, saying: "It's bloody hard work. I'm in the gym every day at 7am doing spinning classes or with my personal trainer. It can be a nightmare – I'm there for up to two hours a day."

Talking about her diet, she said: "It's all about moderation, but I do love a glass of white wine. If I go out and drink a lot one night, I won't drink for the rest of the week as alcohol is full of calories.”

It was recently reported that Cassidy is performing a theatre role in Southend and London for free.