Lowe approves of Whittle Nando's diet

Professional dancer Natalie Lowe has allowed Ricky Whittle to go on a Nando's diet during Strictly Come Dancing.

The Australian confessed that she had tired of trying to get the Hollyoaks actor to eat healthily during his stint on the BBC show.

"I'll let him eat Nando's. Nando's is great food. We actually went for a Nando's yesterday," she told DS. "He wasn't eating enough in the first weeks and we kept losing him. I'll let him eat whatever he wants now, I've just given up. I'm sick of trying to feed him fruit and vegetables."

However, Whittle insisted that he needs a carbohydrate-heavy diet to get him through the tough training regime. He also argued that his physique has actually improved, despite his unusual eating habits.

"You need to eat as much as possible. We do about three of four hours of training, so I have to eat as much as I can," he said. "Technically, it's three or fours hours of cardio. Your body can't do that without something in it. You need the calories and carbs.

"If anything it's made my six-pack more defined. I have lost a bit of size and shape. I have lost an inch and a half of my waist. I have lost nearly a stone in body fat. If anyone wants to diet out there - forget about it! Eat what you want and just dance. It's intense, the routines Natalie's giving me are fun. What a way to lose weight!"

Lowe and Whittle scored 32 points from the judges on Saturday for their samba routine.