EastEnders actress Letitia Dean has revealed the lifestyle changes behind her dramatic weight loss, dropping two stone and four dress sizes in just four months. The 56-year-old, who has played Sharon Watts since the soap's first episode in 1985, credited the transformation to overhauling her eating habits and increasing physical activity.
Dean admitted she had relied on junk food for years and tried numerous fad diets, including Atkins and an egg-only plan, but nothing lasted. She told Closer magazine: 'I just woke up one morning and I’d had enough. For years my weight yo-yoed up and down.' Her turning point came after taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, where she felt energised by the end of the tour.
Now she sticks to around 1,300 calories a day, focusing on grilled skinless chicken and greens, and keeps active with boxing and running. 'I found I had so much more energy than when I used to eat junk food,' she added.
Fans praised her appearance ahead of her on-screen return, with a teaser clip of Sharon arriving with son Albie sparking comments such as 'She looks incredible' and 'The Queen is back.' Dean has previously spoken about cruel comments on her appearance, including jibes about her weight during EastEnders spin-off Secrets from the Square.
The actress has also been open about undergoing breast reduction surgery as a teenager and said occasional attention on her appearance still bothers her, but she keeps things in perspective. Dean remains one of EastEnders' longest-serving stars.
