EastEnders star shows off weight loss transformation after diet swap
The former BBC soap star looked almost unrecognisable in the social media post
An ex-EastEnders star has said that making one significant life change has helped her feel like herself again. This lifestyle adjustment may help others lose weight and reduce their risk of serious health problems like heart and liver disease.
Lorraine Stanley, known best for her role on EastEnders as Karen Taylor between 2017 and 2024, posted a picture on her Instagram feed from an event last night (June 2). In it, she can be seen wearing a kaftan she bought in Barcelona airport for "less than £30". She added: "[This is the] first time I've worn it, I love it! Thanks for all the beautiful comments."
The 48-year-old received a wave of positive comments on how well she looked, including her former EastEnders co-star Diane Parish, known for playing Denise Fox, who commented: "You look incredible!" And James Bye, who played Martin Fowler until recently in the soap, posted: "Look at you skinny minny!"
According to reports, Lorraine managed to achieve her five-stone weight loss since leaving the soap with help from a gastric sleeve operation. But another lifestyle change has also contributed to the mum-of-one's new lease of life.
She's banished alcohol from her diet and has swapped booze for non-alcoholic options. Taking to her Instagram story to upload the same image posted onto her main feed, she added: "I'm five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety."
Lorraine publicly shared her journey toward sobriety. She has said that being sober has not stopped her from having fun and enjoying social events.
What can avoiding alcohol do for your health and weight?
According to Drinkaware, cutting out alcohol completely has many health benefits. These include reducing blood pressure and improving sleep in the short term, as well as many other important, longer-term health benefits.
Cutting alcohol from your life reduces the risk of developing serious alcohol-related diseases. Giving up drinking could help your liver and should reduce the chances of developing liver disease, as long hasn'thasn't already been irreversibly damaged.
Drinkaware also claims that stopping your alcohol intake could lower the risk of:
Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure
Liver disease
Sexual dysfunction
Gut problems
If you're overweight and regularly drink alcohol, you will likely find that you lose weight if you stop drinking. And, not drinking at all will make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Alcoholic drinks contain lots of 'empty' calories, Drinkaware says, meaning your body doesn't get any nutritional value from alcohol. Drinkaware gave the example that "a typical pint of lager or a large glass of wine contains the same number of calories as more than half a cheeseburger".
If you're worried about your drinking, Drinkaware has a list of support networks and resources to help. There are dedicated phone lines or online chat rooms that can provide people with the help they need.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
The One Show's Alex Jones shares touching tribute minutes into live broadcast
The One Show's Alex Jones shares touching tribute minutes into live broadcast The One Show host Alex Jones paid tribute to a friend one year after their tragic death on Thursday The One Show host Alex Jones has paid her respects to a "friend" one year after their tragic death. In the latest (June 5) instalment of the popular BBC show, Alex was joined by co-host Roman Kemp as they delved into the day's top stories from across Britain and the wider globe. They also chatted with Clare Balding about the upcoming season of women's sports, as well as Michael Sheen and Downton Abbey icons Hugh Bonneville and Tom Cullen, who are set to reunite in BBC drama The Gold. At the start of the programme, Alex gave a poignant tribute to Dr Michael Mosley, who passed away at 67, having vanished whilst vacationing on the Greek island of Symi last June. "It's been a year since our friend Dr Michael Mosley sadly died. He had a long history with this show and one of his sons, who's also a doctor, shared with us how he hopes to continue his father's legacy," Alex remarked, reports the Express. Alex Jones paid tribute to a friend on Thursday (June 5) Article continues below Viewers were then shown a heartfelt segment where Michael's son, Dr Jack Mosley, spoke about carrying on his father's passionate work in health and wellness. "My dad was so passionate about healthy living, and his infectious enthusiasm was part of what made him so popular," observed Jack. Reflecting on the aftermath of his father's tragic passing, Jack mentioned: "It was such a sudden thing when dad did pass away. It has been difficult for my siblings and I, my mum. The only positive I can think to come out of it is it has brought us closer together as a family, and that's something that he would have liked to see." Michael's wife Clare, who is also a medical professional, expressed that messages from the public have provided immense comfort. She also gave viewers a glimpse into the cupboard where Michael used to record his podcast, Just One Thing, confessing she "can't quite bring herself" to remove the podcast's poster. Dr Michael Mosley died last year Jack, who has penned a book on weight loss medication and nutrition titled Food Noise, collaborated with his mother on the project, resulting in over 50 healthy recipes featured in the book. He concluded: "To continue on some of these really important messages about healthy eating and lifestyle changes is something that was very important to my dad. I do want to continue that mission." Back at the BBC studio, Alex reflected: "It's hard to believe it's been a year... Our thoughts, of course, are with the whole family at this time." Article continues below Beyond his podcast duties, Michael gained recognition for featuring in television series such as Trust Me, I'm A Doctor, The Truth about Exercise, and Lose a Stone in 21 Days. The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
EastEnders' Jean tries to sabotage Kat's happiness in cruel move
Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) has made a cruel attempt at ruining cousin Kat's (Jessie Wallace) 'hag do' in EastEnders – as a last-ditch attempt is made to salvage their relationship. As viewers of the BBC One soap saw earlier this week, an emotional Jean lashed out upon realising that Kat had teamed up with her ex-partner Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) for a new business venture. The deal came just weeks after his affair with Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) was exposed, something which mortified her. Rushing away from Walford to spend time with Mo Harris (Laila Morse) and Fat Elvis, Kat was left to pick up the pieces in the Slater household. Harvey was offered a lucrative purchase – a limousine that could be used for wedding photoshoots. He couldn't afford it, but the seller thought up a cunning scheme to get his cash. Kat signed on the dotted line, unaware of the other bidder being Harvey. She was furious, but alongside partner Alfie (Shane Richie), decided they should capitalise on the mishap by getting him to fork out for the publicity. Alfie had an even better plan. He got down on one knee, and proposed. They could have a proper reception, and not have to pay for half of it! As they celebrated in The Vic, and with Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) quickly arranging a joint stag and hen do, Jean strolled in and assumed that they were all happy to see her return. But that wasn't the case. She felt excluded from the wedding, and was enraged to hear that Harvey was Kat's business partner. Dealing a slap, she told Kat that she was more than welcome to adopt the Moon moniker once again, as she was no longer a Slater. In tonight's episode, damage control began. Alfie urges Kat to put things right, but when she headed to speak with Jean, a huge argument broke out. Kat said that it was Jean's fault that Harvey strayed, and she needed to stop wallowing in self pity. With the hag do in full swing, and everyone donning leopard print, floral shirts and leather jackets, someone snuck into the corridor at Harry's Barn. It was Jean. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! She jabbed away at the fire alarm, attempting to shut down the bash, before rushing off. More Trending Kat followed, urging her to attend the wedding and to put everything to one side. It seemed that their dynamic would never be the same again. However, in a shock twist, when Kat got home, Jean was there. She realised that they couldn't go on fighting any longer, and as much as it would pain her to see Harvey at the wedding, she would be in attendance. Hurrah! View More » With everything seemingly back to normal, Kat logged onto the computer and was gobsmacked to find a porn website open – and a payment confirmation… blissfully unaware that her son Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) was responsible. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as popular couple faces disaster on big day MORE: Dark EastEnders scenes as Joel makes horror move in story with Tommy MORE: EastEnders wedding thrown into chaos as Kat calls things off with Alfie
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
The Queen of Clay's reign ends - but Swiatek 'will be back'
French Open 2025Dates: 25 May-8 June Venue: Roland GarrosCoverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app Losing at the French Open is not something Iga Swiatek is accustomed won four of the past five titles at Roland Garros, the 24-year-old has become known as the 'Queen of Clay' - but her reign always felt under threat coming into this year's current frailties were exposed by world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a blockbuster semi-final on serve was obliterated by Belarus' Sabalenka, who converted eight break points to end Swiatek's 26-match winning streak on the Paris clay."Iga will be back and she will be better," said former world number nine Andrea Petkovic, who analysed the match for BBC Radio 5 Live."I did think this year's tournament was a huge step forward for her in terms of form." Not a 'bad' tournament but Swiatek falls short In the eyes of many seasoned observers, Swiatek was the third favourite for the title behind Sabalenka and American second seed Gauff, who beat French wildcard Lois Boisson in Thursday's second has been nowhere near her dominant best over the past year, failing to reach a final since last year's French Open triumph and slipping to her lowest ranking since March a chastening defeat in the Italian Open third round, Swiatek's return to Paris offered positivity."I think I already changed my mindset before this tournament," said Swiatek shortly after her first French Open defeat since 2021."Losing early in Rome gave me some time and perspective."The former long-time world number one looked more like her old self as she rolled through her opening three matches without dropping a a tougher test arrived against Elena Rybakina in the last 16, Swiatek fought back from losing the opening set 6-1 and answered more of the lingering questions around her showed similar resilience in the opening set against Sabalenka, recovering from 4-1 down to force the set back on her return position helped Swiatek fight back from a poor start, where she was overwhelmed by Sabalenka's power, and take the match into a the fifth seed did not have the capability - or perhaps belief - to sustain her level and rolled over in a 22-minute third though, Swiatek felt she had positives to take from the past fortnight."I played some quality matches," said Swiatek, who has still won 32 of her 42 matches this season."Now it's probably not the best time to look at the wider perspective. "Probably it wasn't a bad tournament, but obviously not the result I wanted." Why has Swiatek's form dipped? There are a mixture of reasons - on and off the court - as to why Swiatek's level has in the Olympics semi-finals in Paris last summer was a bitter blow, with Swiatek saying she cried for "six hours" later came a bigger bombshell - Swiatek had failed a doping was announced in November she had tested positive for heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample. She was subsequently given a one-month ban after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted the result was caused by decided to switch coach at the end of last year, replacing Tomas Wiktorowski with Wim Fissette, and it is taking time for the changes she is making to bed destructive forehand - her most effective tool on the clay - has lost some of its reliability, while her service game has been picked apart by big-hitting opponents."Maybe she lost a little bit of a confidence, so that's why sometimes you see her missing balls that she shouldn't be missing," said Sabalenka."But overall, I think it was a really high-level match and she played really great tennis."Sabalenka's victory emphasised her position as the runaway leader on the WTA Tour and it is hard to see Swiatek challenging her on the Wimbledon grass next powerful game transfers well onto the faster surface, while Swiatek has never gone past the SW19 quarter-finals."We know Iga doesn't love that surface so I'm interested to see where she goes from here," added Petkovic."I think that is going to be very fascinating to watch."
