Lorraine Stanley has opened up about the difficult point that prompted her weight-loss journey, admitting there was a time when she “could barely look at myself” as she revealed she used weight-loss jabs before having surgery.
The 49-year-old actress, best known for playing Karen Taylor in EastEnders from 2017 until 2024, has transformed her appearance over the past two years after losing an impressive 6.5 stone.
Her slimmer figure was on full display last month when she attended the Paul Strank Summer Party at London’s Royal Garden Hotel in a glamorous sequin and tulle gown.
Lorraine drew attention at the event in the striking dress, which accentuated the results of her hard work and marked a confident new chapter for the soap star.
Over the last two years, she has embraced a major lifestyle overhaul, leaving her looking almost unrecognisable compared with her appearance during her time on the BBC soap.
For Lorraine, the change was driven by one particularly powerful moment that made her determined to take control of her health and confidence.
Lorraine Stanley has revealed she once “could barely look at myself” as she discussed using weight-loss jabs to help her transformation (pictured last month)
The soap star, 49, who played Karen Taylor in EastEnders from 2017 to 2024, has lost 6.5 stone over the past two years (pictured on the soap in 2022)
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.
It comes a month after Lorraine shared an Instagram photo as she proudly showed off her slimmer frame
The screen alum – who lost 12lbs in her first six weeks on the new diet – recalled: ‘I’ve eaten a lot of boiled eggs, fish, chicken, no carbs, no crisps and no chocolate
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.’
