I’m comfortable in my own size 16 skin... ...and here’s my first bikini shot to prove it
SHE is the darling of daytime television, with a flair for the confessional and a downto-earth nature that disarms her guests and gets them to speak just as frankly about their own trials and tribulations.
But this week, presenter Elaine Crowley has said she has never felt as comfortable in her own skin as the star features in a stunningly sexy photo shoot.
Cork native Elaine has always been open with her struggles with weight and selfimage, an issue that resonates with most women. Together with her honest approach to tackling difficult topics, it has made her a firm favourite with viewers.
Ahead of her shoot in the blistering sun above the tropical beaches of the Seychelles, Elaine hadn’t planned on posing in her bikini. But the impromptu pictures proved a stunning triumph. The pictures are published in the latest edition of RSVP.
Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday, Elaine said that her decision to take the plunge and pose in her leopard swim suit was born from her newly found carefree, can-do attitude.
‘It was so hot I would have run around the place naked to cool down! Seriously though, I wasn’t intending on doing a shot like that until the photographer suggested it, and I just thought f**k it, it’s now or never. ‘This is as good as it gets. ‘ ‘Doesn’t matter what age or what size you are, you have to love the skin you’re in, and I do. God knows it took me long enough.
‘So to those who still feel the need to call me chubby, fat, a whale, or a cow cause I’m a size 16 – work away. This is me and the haters can feck off.’
Elaine has just celebrated the one-year milestone for her eponymous show on TV3.
Speaking to the magazine, Elaine said last year had been bittersweet.
While landing her own show bearing her name was a testament to her talents, the workload increased and she says she forgot to enjoy her success.
‘Last year was a very difficult year for me workwise.
‘I know that it was fantastic to get my own show, with my own name on it, and that is what every woman in broadcasting wants.
‘On the flip side, it is damn hard work and I don’t think people realise the hours and the blood, sweat and tears that go into putting on a TV show every day.
‘It would be great to swan in, sit down and swan back out again, but it is full on and I felt a lot of pressure.
Working with a small unit, Elaine and her team have cornered a new afternoon market.
‘I am way happier; the ratings are great and everyone loves it.
‘We have a different audience to Midday (her previous show) and we have great quirky guests on every day.’
‘I said, it’s now or never. This is as good as it gets’