SKATING sensation Melinda Messenger has danced her way to losing one-and-a-half stone.

The dramatic drop has seen the twinkle-toed dancer drop four dress sizes.

Her shapely new figure has been splashed across two glossy magazines this week and is largely thanks to her new role as an ice princess in the reality show Dancing On Ice.

In Reveal magazine the 37-year-old says since she started her dancing training, at the beginning of December, she has shed 21lbs off her 5ft 2ins frame and 20 years off her mindset.

“I have never felt so physically fit and healthy, my skin is firmed and toned and I feel as though I have my 18-year-old body back,” she said.

“I have a perfectly flat tummy for the first time and I don’t mind showing it off now.”

The mum-of-three, who now lives in Newbury, said that her new skating routine had also changed her diet as now she opts for bigger portions of healthier, nutritious foods.

She added: “I have a big bowl of porridge before I hit the ice then at lunchtime I will have a bowl of pasta, potatoes or noodles.

“I am a vegetarian so lots of healthy veg is great for keeping in shape.

“Training for the show, about three hours a day, has given me muscles I never knew I had – my body has been transformed.

“I never used to exercise and hated the gym – so I have always had podgy belly and wobbly thighs.

“After my three-hour session on the ice everything aches, and within weeks my legs and arms were more defined.

“Every pound shows when you are as short as me and it’s easy for the weight to creep on.

“I always eat when I am tired and emotional.

“My weakness foods are bread, cakes and chocolate, so if I was having a bad day I would reach for those to cheer me up.

“When you have always been slim it is easy to fall into a trap of thinking you can eat what you like – but I am nearly 40 and I have to be careful.”

Melinda says she is determined to carry on skating and keeping up her exercise regime.

She said: “If I don’t train for one day now I notice it. Seeing my toned arms and legs is such a boost.

“But I would never go as far as Madonna – although she looks amazing.”