Q&A with Lucy Benjamin

Lucy Benjamin lost a stone of baby weight in just six weeks on a Closer Diet, and she's been in the office answering your questions. And you didn't shy away from asking the nitty gritty either!

But you'll be pleased to know that although she didn't want to answer questions on ex-boyfriend Steve McFadden, baddie Phil Mitchell from EastEnders, she did feel quite comfortable telling you who from the cast she keeps in touch with, how Eastenders is possibly the most miserable place in the country and how she suffered 6-weeks of baby blues after giving birth to Bessie - something she didn't tell Closer magazine!

Take a look below for these answers plus many many more...

Q. Struggling to lose weight

Hi Lucy,
I think you look fab, and was wondering if you could advise me on the best way for me to lose 1st 7Ibs. I am renewing my wedding vows and would like to look good, but I'm struggling with my weight. What do u advise? Thanks
Lesley

Lucy answers:
Hi Lesley,
The good news about your story is that you have great motivation to want to lose weight with the renewal of your wedding vows. That’s often the hardest thing, to get motivated.

You didn’t say when you’re going to renew your vows though, but it’s ideal if you are able to combine some form of exercise, be it walking, cycling or getting to a gym, with a diet that suits your needs and requirements.

Sensible eating as opposed to faddy diets I feel is the better way to lose weight and over a longer period of time instead of a quick fix plan. Check out my exercise plan here.

Good luck!

Q. What to eat when I go out for dinner?

Hi Lucy, my biggest problem is when I go out I never know what I can eat that's good!

What do you order in restaurants when you go out for a meal?

Thank you, Carol

Lucy answers:
Hi Carol, I love going out for meals and we have a gorgeous Indian restaurant 5 mins from home!!!

So when I went there during my diet I ordered Chicken Shishlick and plain boiled rice, which is a dry curry a lot like Chicken Tikka with grilled peppers, absolutely yummy, so I never felt like I was going without.

Try it!!! Although avoid the poppadoms though!

Q. Did you suffer from the baby blues?

Hi Lucy,
I just want to say you look absolutely amazing, well done you!

I wondered if you suffered from any post-natal depression? Also do you have any tips for new mums not coping? And lastly do you want more kids?

Sorry for all the Q's!
Thank you,
Blanche

Lucy answers:
Hi Blanche, thanks for your lovely comments.

I wouldn’t say I suffered from post-natal depression, however, I certainly had a touch of the baby blues for about 6 weeks after Bessie's birth.

All I can say is, during that time I had amazing support from my husband, family and friends, which I think is vital for any new mum.

It’s such a massive shock to the system that you mustn't be afraid to ask for help.

Alll you need is half an hour of your time to yourself, even if that just means a nice long soak in the bath while you pass the baby buck for a bit. It all helps.

Q. Did the miserable EastEnders story lines bring you down?

Hey! I just wondered if you ever found yourself being miserable because of the misery in Albert Square?! Did it rub off on you as a person?

Also do you keep in contact with anyone from Eastenders?
I think your great!
Georgie xxx

Lucy answers:
Hi Geogie, you're so right Albert Square IS a miserable place but it's only make believe and I was always able to switch off the minute I walked out the door and headed for home!!!!

I keep in touch with Elaine Lordon and Lucy Speed and often bump into Barbara Windsor and Dean Gaffney.

Q. Do you still watch EastEnders?

Hi Lucy, do you still watch Eastenders?

Do you think it's gone downhill since you left?!

You look great by the way!
Pip
x

Lucy answers:
Hi Pip, no I'm afraid I don't watch EastEnders anymore.

I stopped a couple of years ago when I was touring in a play and never got back into it. I wouldn't know who anyone is anymore!

Q. What's next for you?

Hi lucy, good to see you're looking so good after having a baby. What's your next TV project going to be? Will you go back to EastEnders?
Alison B

Lucy answers:
Hi Alison, there are no plans for me to return to Eastenders despite the rumours, im just enjoying being a Mum to Bessie.

Q. Is the romance still alive with your hubbie?

Did you know your husband was 'The One' as soon as you met him? What's the most romantic thing he's ever done? 
Tess

Lucy answers:
Hi Tess,
I must admit I knew pretty quickly that Richard, my husband, was 'the one' as you put it, and I hate to be annoying but he is so romantic so often that it would just wind you up if I gave away all his little surprises!!!!

Q. What did you do for your one-year wedding anniversary?

Hi Lucy,

I read that it was your first wedding anniversary last month - how did you celebrate and what did your hubby get you as a pressie? Also what did you get him?!

Cheers
Harriot

Lucy answers:
Hi Harriot, yes you're right it was our 1st anniversary in March and we spent it back at the place where we got married, Babington House in Somerset.

It was so romantic but also slightly bizzarre cos this time we had Bessie with us, yet she had only been in my tummy at the wedding!