Claire: “I’ve lost 2st and finally feel body confident”

She’s dramatically transformed her figure, now mum-of-one Claire Sweeney opens up about her weight loss and loving her trim new tum!

This time last year T Claire Sweeney was covering up her tummy in baggy clothes. But now, posing confidently in a bikini for Closer’s shoot in Majorca, Claire says she’s thrilled with her newly toned figure, after losing 2st.

“If you’d have told me a year ago that I’d be here doing a bikini shoot, 2st lighter and feeling really toned, I’d have kissed you,” she laughs. “It seemed so impossible before, I’d just got used to being bigger and accepted it. But wearing a bikini feels fantastic now.”

Mum-of-one Claire, 46 – who’s 5ft 8 and now weighs 10st – admits that on a sunshine break last year, she covered up on the beach and wouldn’t even be seen in gym-wear in public.

“I had loads of kaftans and beach dresses to wear over my bikini; I’d always find clothes to cover my tummy. Now I go out in a gym crop-top – that would have been my worst nightmare before,” she laughs. “My abs are so much stronger now!”

FITTER THAN EVER

Claire – who went from a size 14 to a 10 – lost 2st using a calorie-controlled diet earlier this year. But wanting to feel more toned, she embarked on an intense six-week workout regime this summer and has been left feeling her fittest ever.

“I’ve been in Majorca for the past few weeks as I have a villa out here, and I was worried about letting myself go and putting the weight back on as I usually indulge while I’m away,” she admits. “So I got a personal trainer and have been working out five to six times a week. The difference in my body is incredible. My shape has changed; I’ve maintained my weight loss but lost inches and I feel so strong. I always used to suffer with a bad back, but it’s so much better now.”

STUCK IN A CYCLE

Claire – who’s mum to son Jaxon, three – has been doing HIIT (high-intensity interval training) with her trainer – including burpees, squats and crunches – for 30 seconds and then having a 30-second break.

“It’s so hardcore and I have really pushed myself, but seeing the amazing results keeps me on track,” she tells us.

Claire has also been sticking to a calorie-controlled diet, using Slimfast products. For breakfast, she’ll have porridge with coconut milk, while lunch is a Slimfast smoothie with frozen blueberries, raspberries and strawberries blended in. And dinner is something like roast chicken with salad or sea bass with vegetables.

“Before, I was stuck in a cycle of takeaways and late-night eating,” admits Claire, who toured with the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang until February this year. “I was having a takeaway after coming off stage most nights and was always thinking, ‘I’ll start the diet tomorrow.’ But having a routine and seeing my body change has kept me so motivated.”

OLD HABITS

The star is due to go on tour again shortly and says that she is determined not to fall back into old habits.

She says, “I’ve had time on my hands here in Majorca, which has made things easier, but when I’m on the road again I hope I can keep it up. I’m going to do 20-minute HIIT workouts while Jaxon is at nursery and that should spur me on.”

But she is also realistic and allows treats in her diet. She says, “I love a Sunday roast and Cadbury chocolate. You have to treat yourself, so sometimes I’ll have a day of eating whatever I want. I love a glass of Prosecco too, and it’s far lower in calories than wine, so you can occasionally allow yourself a couple of glasses without falling completely off the wagon!”

Despite her chiselled abs, Claire admits that her body isn’t perfect. “I’ll be honest with you, I am rock-hard and toned underneath, but I still have a bit of wobbly skin on the top when I relax that I can’t quite get rid of. But that’s just normal, it’s called being a mum – and it’s more than worth it!”

Motherhood clearly suits Claire, who dotes on Jaxon – from her relationship with Daniel Reilly, whom she split from in 2015 – during Closer’s shoot. She says, “He is brilliant and so laid-back. I was waiting for the terrible twos but they don’t seem to have happened yet. I love being a mum.”