Linda: “My family has warned me against losing more weight”

The Loose Women star talks about her incredible transformation after adopting a sugar-free diet, and how pal Pauline Quirke is following suit

She’s shed an impressive S 2st 7lbs over the past 18 months as a result of being on a no-sugar diet. But despite her weight-loss achievements, Linda Robson admits that her husband Mark Dunford and their two daughters, Lauren, 35, and Roberta, 22, have warned her against going too far.

The 60 year old admits, “I am still doing the sugar-free diet and not having any alcohol. I’m just eating healthily and going to the gym a couple of times a week, as well as doing lots of walking. I always have my Fitbit on, but I feel guilty if I haven’t reached my 10,000 steps. When I’m at home, I run around the kitchen and up and down the stairs to try to build up the steps.”

DIABETES RISK

She continues, “But my husband and my two daughters have said, ‘Mum, that’s enough now, you need to calm down on the exercise front.’ I don’t want to lose any more weight. I’m 10st and a size 12 now, and that’s where I want to stay.”

Linda’s – who’s 5ft 3 – new lifestyle is a dramatic departure from her previous diet, which found her consuming unhealthy amounts of alcohol on a daily basis.

She reveals, “Loose Women asked me to do a sugar-free diet about 18 months ago because I was drinking a bottle of wine every night. It was really hard at first, but then it just got easier.

“I was actually out with my husband about two weeks ago, and he said, ‘Do you want a glass of wine?’ and I really didn’t fancy it. Instead, I’ve replaced wine with sparkling water and a slice of lemon. I have decaf tea in the morning, too, and I’m not a coffee drinker.”

Linda’s main motivation to slim down was due to her turning 60 this March, and wanting to be fit and healthy to look after her grandchildren.

She says, “I was near 60, and doctors told me I could get diabetes due to my weight. I’ve got two young grandchildren who are six and nearly two. I want to be around for their big milestones. Now, I feel the fittest and in the best shape I’ve ever been.”

Linda, who shot to fame in classic BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather, admits she has even been trying to give co-star and close pal Pauline Quirke – who has yo-yoed between a size 28 and 12 – advice when it comes to losing weight.

Pauline, who lost an incredible 8st just one year in 2012 as the face of Lighterlife, saw the pounds creep back on. But last week, it was reported Pauline had shed 2st after being inspired by Linda’s transformation.

Linda says, “Pauline has seen me do it, and she is just trying to eat healthier. As you get older, you just naturally think that you should be better.”

Linda admits she is very conscious of her health after her sister Tina was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2015.

She says, “My sister had breast cancer, and recently, we got our breasts checked by the doctor on Loose Women. I am very vigilant about the condition since my sister got it. You can often find me in the shower with my arms up, examining my breasts to check for any lumps or bumps. My sister always has a six-month checkup now, and I have a mammogram every year. I do fear that I could get it.”

REUNIONS

Despite juggling the demands of Loose Women and being a grandmother, Linda insists that she will reunite with her Birds Of A Feather co-stars Pauline and Lesley Joseph for a 30th anniversary special next year.

She says, “We’re not doing anything this year, as in a Christmas special, but it is the 30th anniversary next year, so it’s likely that we are going to get back together and do something for it. But I am not exactly sure what yet, as no scripts have been written. I love getting together with Pauline and Lesley. We always have such a laugh and I’m sure it will be riotous whatever we do.” ● Linda Robson was speaking at Thorpe Park’s Fright Night. Thorpe Park’s Fright Night’s season runs until 31 October. For more information/tickets, visit Thorpepark.com