INTERVIEW
Actress Claire Sweeney tells Closer about how she’s coping with her new training schedule, her Christmas plans and why she’s had the best year ever
She’s gearing up to star on Dancing On Ice in January, and Claire Sweeney now tells Closer that training for the hit ITV competition is really taking it out of her.
Claire, 52, explains, “I’m loving it, but I’m so knackered. I can’t tell you how exhausting it is. You’re using muscles you didn’t know existed, but it’s a dream to be doing it. What a year I’ve had – Eurovision, Corrie and now Dancing On Ice! I’m very grateful.”
The actress – who is partnered with professional Colin Grafton – was announced as the second celebrity contestant on the talent show back in October, alongside Made In Chelsea’s Miles Nazaire and Love Island’s Amber Davies.
Over the years, Claire – who is best known for her role as Lindsey Corkhill on Brookside – has opened up about her roller-coaster fitness journey.
While pregnant with her son Jaxon, now eight, Claire gained around 3st – bringing her up to a size 16 – but after a friend’s blunt comment about her weight, she started working out. And she revealed in an interview at the time that she used a picture of herself to help visualise her goal.
FEELING THE BURN
She shares, “I looked back to when I used to host 60 Minute Makeover and I didn’t realise what good nick my physique was in. That was my goal.
I had two pictures on my phone. One of me fat and one of how I wanted to look.”
As a result, Claire lost 4st after adopting a healthier lifestyle and dieting – even turning to hypnotherapy at one point to help kick her sugar cravings.
And the star – who shares son Jaxon with her ex, Daniel Reilly – now says that she’s feeling better than ever in her own skin.
She says, “I’m just absolutely knackered every evening. My original intention was to come home after training and do some Pilates in the evening, but I can’t do that. You’re in a constant squat position. Imagine spending two and a half hours in a squat! But it’s brilliant – I’m feeling great.”
However training hasn’t been without it’s challenges for Claire, as she admits, “I am two weeks behind everyone, as
