I’ve ever been’
Social media sensation and Strictly star Saffron Barker on falling in love and getting stuck into fitness
Well, if you can get through the first holiday, you can get through anything…
Yes, we’re still together, so we must be doing something right!
How’s the rest of the ‘new normal’ going for you?
At the start of lockdown I thought, ‘This is going to be really strange,’ but I’ve actually really enjoyed having the time at home. I tried to make the most of it as before I was so busy, I was hotel-hopping every day. But it’s nice to be able to go out and do something now. Although we don’t have complete freedom back, it feels like it when we can go to a restaurant.
What was the one thing you couldn’t wait to do?
Go to the gym! I missed having it in my life. However, although we haven’t had gyms, I feel like I’m fitter than ever because I’ve actually had the time.
How did you work out?
I’ve made the most of the space I have at home. I’ve used a fitness app called Tone & Sculpt for years. It helped me when I went to the gym and it also has an at-home guide with every workout you can imagine. I thought, ‘I’m going to use this to get as fit as I can.’ Now I use it every day.
What’s your go-to exercise?
I do a lot of weights, which I never did before. It was always something I was really scared of but it’s the thing that changes your body more than anything. Something else I’ve started putting into my routine is swimming in the sea at 7am.
Saffron’s feeling more body confident after working out at home
Isn’t it cold?
Yes! It’s freezing. But it’s honestly all in the mindset. As soon as you’re in, it’s fine. I’ve been working out first thing in the morning and then going in the sea. It’s my new favourite thing. It’s so good for you mentally and wakes you up. It’s also great as I get to appreciate where I live in Brighton – we have a beautiful seaside.
Probably my legs. I have good muscly legs and the compliment I get a lot is about my calves.
Are you more confident about your body?
Definitely, which I’m really grateful for. Before, I was so busy and had no time to focus on myself, which made me feel unconfident because I was grabbing whatever I could foodwise. I honestly felt quite low before lockdown. Work was great but there was no balance with my personal life. But now I’m getting up at 6am to work out. I’ll make time for it no matter where I am or what I’m doing.
How did you feel about stripping down to a bikini for the launch of your In The Style swimwear range?
If anyone told me
I’d do a photoshoot in swimwear, I would have said, ‘No chance!’ My body was always
What’s your favourite part of your body now?
something I’ve not been so confident about. It fluctuated a lot, being a teenage girl and with the time of the month and hormones. We all have some body struggles so I would never have imagined myself doing it. But the amount of working out I’ve been doing has made me more confident.
‘I’ve started swimmingin the sea at 7am – it’s freezing but good for you!’
How would you describe your style in general?
My fashion icons are Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham. They wear a lot of oversized, very cool, easyto-throw-on clothes. And I love trainers and suits. So they’re my outfit goals. But I also wear a lot of loungewear and live in gym wear when I’m at home.
What else is on your bucket list?
Being in the West End is something I’ve always wanted to do. Growing up I’d always danced, sung and acted. I’d love to play Glinda from Wicked. I know every single word of every song and everything she says. I play her in my front living room so hopefully one day I’ll play her on a West End stage!
Did Strictly reignite your love of performing?
It was amazing and it definitely helped me out, as I previously did more singing than dancing. It’s also made me realise how much I love performing and it was amazing to be given that opportunity. It’s something that has changed my life.
What advice would you give to this year’s contestants?
I know it’s a cliché but just enjoy it! You do so many hours a day so if you’re too stressed about going through to the next week, it ruins it.
Are you still dancing?
I honestly thought I would keep up the ballroom, but I haven’t. I went on the tour and then after that we went into lockdown. But I’ve been doing TikTok dances if that counts! And I’m still in touch with everyone. Our group chat goes off every single day and it’s so amazing how well we get on. They will be my friends for life.