Bellingham 'felt insecure on Strictly'

Lynda Bellingham has admitted that she felt insecure about her body when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing.

The 61-year-old actress, who was voted off the show last month, said that she did not enjoy wearing revealing costumes during her stint in the competition.

Writing in Yours magazine, Bellingham explained: "The body image took a real battering, I must confess. I had not really taken on board how I would feel dressed in a flimsy dress in front of millions of people.

"I hate my upper arms. The costume designer, Sue Judd, was lovely and seduced me with long gloves and little capped sleeves, but I never forgot they were there."

She continued: "I watched myself back after the shows and cringed. I know it’s ridiculous - I am 61 and some of those gorgeous dancers are in their early 20s. But it is hard, when you have never liked yourself, to rise above the insecurities."

Bellingham's professional dancing partner Darren Bennett revealed that he was "gobsmacked" after the star was eliminated last month.