Barker 'astounded' at making Splash (From Salisbury Journal)
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Barker 'astounded' at making Splash
12:32am Monday 11th March 2013 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013
Linda Barker received admiration for her slim figure in ITV diving show Splash!
Splash! star Linda Barker said she was "astounded" by the reaction to her appearance on the diving show and admitted she had to be talked into wearing a bikini for the cameras.
The interior designer-turned television presenter said she credits her intense exercise regime for her slim figure.
She told Hello! magazine: "Exercise makes me feel good and confident, which is hugely powerful."
The star, who has just been signed up to front a lingerie campaign, works out twice a week with a personal trainer, runs marathons and practises yoga.
She said she did not expect the public attention she got after appearing on the ITV show.
She said: "After the first live show, my neighbour texted me to look online at all the comments like, 'how does a 51-year-old woman get abs like that?'.
"My husband Chris and I were having a cup of tea in bed and were just astounded."
Linda originally did not plan to wear a bikini, opting instead for a black running top and bikini bottoms - until a member of the wardrobe department intervened.
She said: "She came over and said 'you've got to wear a bikini'. I went, 'Really? Do you think I'll be all right?' "And she said, 'I think it will be fabulous. There'll be hair and make-up and glitter everywhere.' So I thought, let's do it."
Read the full interview in Hello! magazine on sale now.
