'Hollyoaks' star denies eating disorder

Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe has hit back at rumours which have surrounded her size in recent months.

The actress, better known as Mercedes McQueen on the Channel 4 show, sparked fears for her health when she was pictured looking thin while on holiday this summer. She later discovered that she had lost nearly half a stone.

"Yes, I was looking a bit skinny, but I certainly didn't have an eating disorder," she told Closer magazine. "In fact, I'm very secure about my body."

Metcalfe added that she has gained four pounds since the summer. She also denied claims that her weight loss resulted from a "heartbreak diet" after she split from Liverpool footballer Jermaine Pennant in July.

The 24-year-old recently revealed that she expected to be killed off in Hollyoaks after her character was diagnosed with HIV.