Former ballerina and Strictly judge Darcy Bussell reveals 'Sergeant Major' fitness regime
DESPITE looking svelte and healthy each weekend on the Strictly panel, Darcey Bussell has confessed she has her share of image hang-ups.
In a recent interview with Hello Magazine, the former ballerina claimed that since becoming a mother she is 'not as as toned' as she used to be, while becoming 'very concious' of her age.
Although she has now retired from dancing, Darcey likes to stay active so that she keeps her trim physique.
Enjoying a dip in the swimming pool twice a week and frequently attends Zumba classes, she jokes: "I stand at the back and make a fool of myself but I don't care!"
As a mother of two young girls, Darcey promotes a healthy idea of body image by making a point of never discussing her body hang-ups in front of her daughters.
"I can never whinge in front of them. If I don't say things like, 'Oh I can't do up my skirt, my waist is going' or, 'I've got to keep my tummy in,' they won't worry about those things.
The Strictly favourite continued: "It's an instinct with any girl to want to look good, my eldest loves fashion and clothes, but I just tell them: 'You've got to be healthy, you've got to have a proper breakfast' I'm a bit of a sergeant major with that one."
Darcey performed ballet all over the world during her career and in 2006 she received a CBE from the Queen.
Tune into BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm for the live grand final where surviving contestants Susannah Reid, Abbey Clancy, Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Natalie Gumede will battle in the ballroom for the title of 2013 Strictly Come Dancing champion.