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Gemma Atkinson has said she is proud of her lads’ mag past as she admitted she ‘loved’ posing for racy shoots.
The fitness influencer, 41, originally made her name as troubled schoolgirl Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks 15 years ago, before moving on the star in Emmerdale.
At age 16 she was thrust into the world of bikini shots and glamour modelling.
However Gemma has no regrets as she told Heat Magazine: ‘I loved doing all those lads’ mags and calendars. My mum’s still got them all in her loft. But I never even considered how I looked at that time.’
Despite her racy lingerie looks, Gemma admitted she never worried about her diet or body image at the time.
‘We wouldn’t worry about not being able to wear certain things, and we’d all eat a chippy for lunch. You think you’re invincible in your twenties, don’t you?,’ she explained.
Gemma Atkinson has said she’s proud of her lads’ mag past and admitted she ‘loved’ posing for racy shoots (pictured in 2007)
She said: ‘I loved doing all those lads’ mags and calendars. My mum’s still got them all in her loft. But I never even considered how I looked at that time’ (pictured on holiday in April)
She added: ‘I don’t really give a shit if you like me or not. My mum has always said “If someone doesn’t know you personally, then why are you taking it personally?”‘
During her career Gemma posed for magazines such as Arena, FHM and Loaded and in became one of the most prolific celebrity glamour models in the UK after appearing in three top publications in a single month.
Since leaving glamour modelling Gemma went on the star in Strictly in 2017 where she met her now fiancé Gorka Marquez.
Turning to the world of fitness influencing, earlier this year she launched a new health and wellness podcast with Women’s Health magazine, Just As Well.
The show, which is co-hosted Women’s Health UK Editor-in-Chief, Claire Sanderson, is centered around science and health advice, and will feature ‘free-flowing chats’.
It will welcome guests such as medical doctor Tim Spector and nutritionist Emily English, as well as cover stars like Lioness Lucy Bronze, and other inspirational athletes at the top of their game, including global rugby star, Ellie Kildunne.
Gemma said: ‘I’m thrilled to be part of this podcast and to have the opportunity to sit with and interview so many inspiring people.
‘Health and wellness is extremely important to me and now being in my 40s and a mum, I want to ensure I’m here for as long as possible and thriving.
During her career Gemma posed for magazines such as Arena, FHM and Loaded and in became one of the most prolific celebrity glamour models in the UK (pictured in 2007)
Since leaving glamour modelling Gemma went on the star in Strictly in 2017 where she met her now fiancé Gorka Marquez (pictured with their children Mia and Thiago)
‘I can’t wait to pick the brains of the expert guests and athletes we have lined up to get as much information for you all as possible. I hope you love it as much as I do!’
Claire added: ‘I’m so excited that Women’s Health UK is enhancing its presence in the podcast space.
‘Gemma and I are equally obsessed with wellness, and we can’t wait to learn and act upon the information our guests share with us.
‘Every episode is jam packed with advice and inspiration our audience can use today to have a healthier, happier tomorrow. It’s a good old natter, but with useful takeaways that busy women can squeeze into their hectic days.’
