Gemma Atkinson used to binge on vodka and takeaways before getting a grip of her eating habits

GEMMA Atkinson has revealed that she used to binge on takeaways and vodka before she got a hold of her diet.

The former Hollyoaks actress is now extremely fit but says she struggled with her weight in the past.

Gemma, 34, has launched a new health and fitness book called The Diet Plan for the New Year and has been candid about her struggles.

The tragic death of her dad in 2002 from a heart attack lead Gemma to comfort eat and head on boozy nights out with friends.

She told : “I’d think nothing of going out on an evening and sinking five shots of vodka.

"My friends and I would go out on Friday and Saturday nights drinking, having a McDonald’s on the Saturday and a big Chinese takeaway on the Sunday.”

Gemma revealed that she was called “thunder thighs” at school.

She also said that she again turned to food and drink for comfort when she split up with her footballer ex-fiance Marcus Bent in 2008.

After working out with a personal trainer from 2012, Gemma began to hone the body of her dreams in the gym.

She went on to star in Strictly Come Dancing last year – and is now happily dating pro dancer Gorka Marquez, 28, who she met on the programme.

The couple moved in together into a home in Manchester earlier this year.

The smitten pair moved into their northern pad a few months ago and are often posting loved-up selfies of themselves relaxing at home or working out.

Their home has tasteful soft furnishings which includes a huge bed in a luxury bedroom.

They also have a plush dining area for entertaining and a cosy front room.

The gym bunnies often use their impressive outside space for honing their already toned bodies.

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