Sam Faiers may look incredible in a bikini but after a turbulent year that saw her weight plummet to just 7st 3 she tells Closer she’s back to a size 8 and is more dedicated than ever to promote a healthy approach to diet and fitness.

The TOWIE alumni hit the headlines in March when she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease – an inflammatory bowel condition – and at the height of her illness she went from a size 10 to a 4-6 in a matter of weeks.

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To bring down her bowel the 23-year old star followed a strict diet of shakes and smoothies, but after slowly regaining some weight – and her health – Sam reveals she’s more confident with curves.

She says: “When I was at my skinniest, I didn’t feel sexy. I like having boobs and curves.”

And she’s keen to keep every one of her curves, last week she Tweeted: “Exercising starts again tomorrow to get my summer bikini body in shape share your tips & healthy eating with me thank you x.”

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But whatever her size, one thing Sam is determined not to be is a ‘thinspiration’ to other girls.



She adds: “When I was at my thinnest, I didn’t want my younger fans aspiring to look like me or call me a ‘thinspiration'. I was ill and lost that weight through being ill. I’d never want them to think I was trying to look that small.”

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When Closer caught up with Sam’s pregnant sister Billie Faiers recently she revealed that the siblings have been supporting each other with their fitness.

Billie tells us: “When Samantha was concentrating on getting better we went walking a lot together to keep her muscle strength. She was on a strict diet but she has gradually been introducing more food – although it doesn’t help when I eat sweets all the time! But then when I have a cup of tea she’ll have hers with almond milk and rich tea biscuits.”

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Sam's La Bella fragrance is out now. For more info: www.fragranceshop.co.uk