Bilsthorpe woman cuddles up to soap star after losing almost nine stone

Emma Alder, aged 48, was one of just 44 women to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2018 competition after losing an impressive 8st 9.5lbs.

It was there that she was congratulated by Eastenders and Coronation Street star Jamie.

Emma, who slimmed from 20st 5lbs to 11st 9.5lbs, made it to the semi-finals after members of her Farnsfield group voted for her to be their representative in the national Woman of the Year competition.

She then went on to win the regional heat, which saw her go through to the Woman of the Year 2018 semi-finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.

Emma said: “Before I found Slimming World everything just felt like such a struggle. Simple tasks would become massive chores because I’d get out of breath so easily, and having so much weight to lose just felt like a huge battle. After I joined Slimming World it was as though my eyes were completely opened and I found a new way of eating that easily fit around my life. What made it even easier was that I could still enjoy the same meals as my friends and family. Old favourites like­­­­­­­­­­­: vegetarian peppered steak, chips and salad were all still on the menu, I just prepared and cooked them differently.

“The changes I’ve made were so simple – little things like switching white bread for wholemeal and using low-calorie cooking spray instead of lots of oil. I noticed a big change on the scales though – in my first week I lost 5.5lbs! I couldn’t believe it.

I picked up loads of tips in my Slimming World group too. Everyone is full of ideas and advice, and their support really helped me to believe in myself and my ability to make a change. I honestly don’t think I could have done it without them!

“Losing weight has encouraged me to think about how active I am too, so I’ve taken up swimming and running. This year I completed two half marathons and have climbed to the summit of Snowden. I also compete in Canicross with my bearded collie dogs Loxley and Ludo. Slimming World has completely changed my life.”

Jamie, who also appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, couldn’t believe Emma’s transformation. He said: “I think Emma looks absolutely fantastic, she’s done amazingly well to change her life around like she has. She seems so full of confidence now and that’s really great to see. It’s a reminder that you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it.”

Kath Smith, who runs the Farnsfield group that Emma attends, said: “Emma is a wonderful asset to our group. Her remarkable transformation has inspired so many of her fellow slimmers, so we feel very lucky to have her. The change on the outside is plain to see, yet she has changed so much on the inside, too. These days she’s ready to take on whatever challenges life throws at her and we couldn’t be prouder of her.

“If Emma has inspired anyone else in the Bilsthorpe area who’d like to lose weight, I’d love them to join our group at Fansfield Village Centre or call me on 07508 917150.”

Unfortunately Emma was not the overall winner of the competition. Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2018 will be announced in November.