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Lorraine Stanley has admitted that she once ‘could barely look at myself’ as the revealed she used jabs before surgery to help aid her weight loss.
The soap star, 49, who portrayed Karen Taylor in EastEnders from 2017 to 2024, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, shedding an impressive 6.5 stone.
Last month she showcased her weight loss in a glamorous sequin and tulle gown at the Paul Strank Summer Party, held at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.
Lorraine turned heads at the event in the eye-catching gown, which perfectly highlighted her slimmed-down figure.
Over the last two years, the soap star has committed to a complete lifestyle overhaul – and now looks almost unrecognisable compared to her former self.
And there was one powerful moment that sparked her journey.
In a new interview, Lorraine revealed that while watching herself in an episode of EastEnders, she realised she ‘could barely look at myself’.
She told The Mirror: ‘I know TV puts a stone on you, but… so yes, there was an element of vanity, but it was also me wanting to change things for my daughter and our future.’
After embracing a healthier lifestyle, Lorraine also opened up about how she lost the weight.
She told the publication: ‘I’m not going to lie, nor am I promoting it, but I had weight loss surgery two years ago. I had a gastric sleeve.
‘I went to a London clinic, paid an awful lot of money and had it done. It’s hands-down the best thing I’ve ever done – both for me and for my family.’
Lorraine also revealed that she previously tried weight loss jabs, but felt they eventually stopped working for her, admitting she became ‘immune to them.’
It comes a month after Lorraine shared an Instagram photo as she proudly showed off her slimmer frame.
Posting a snap from an event, Lorraine looked gorgeous in a green and pink print co-ord.
Taking to her Instagram story, she also revealed a new milestone in her lifestyle overhaul.
She told fans: ‘I’m five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety.’
Lorraine’s former co-stars rushed to the comments to praise the actress, with Diane Parish, who plays Denise in EastEnders, writing: ‘You look incredible!’
Martin Fowler actor James Bye agreed, gushing in the comments: ‘Look at you skinny minny xx miss you mate xx’
Lorraine has shared pictures with her social media followers along the way – and revealed she now feels better than ever.
On Instagram at the time, she said: ‘What a difference a year makes.
‘Five stone down, feeling good, clean living, healthy choices, new me, healthy mummy.’
The actress – who lost 12lbs in her first six weeks on the new diet – frequently praised her pal and fitness guru Louise.
She also praises her nutritionist friend who ‘clued her up when it came to what she was eating day-to-day’.
Her gruelling daily workouts and a well-balanced food regime had a positive impact in Lorraine’s life, who said of her journey: ‘I’m enjoying it and I feel better for it.’
Spilling her diet hacks while chatting to Woman’s Own magazine, Lorraine said: ‘My mate Louise is my fitness guru. I’ve got her to thank for it.’
The actress recalled: ‘I’ve eaten a lot of boiled eggs, fish, chicken, no carbs, no crisps and no chocolate.’
