Natalie Cassidy preferring to enjoy life rather than constantly diet?

Former Eastenders star Natalie Cassidy has reportedly given up on her exercise and dieting regime in favour of “enjoying life”.

The actress lost two stone (nearly 30lbs), shrinking from a (UK) size 16 to size 8 in less than a year after following an intense fitness programme, and released an exercise DVD of the workouts late last year.

But now a source has told Now magazine that Natalie has grown tired of her two-hour-a-day gym sessions and has regained a stone and a half (20lbs): “It was a vicious circle in the end.

“Natalie wanted to maintain her weight loss, but she isn’t naturally that size and she got fed up - especially without the goal of making a DVD to aim for.”

The source added that her relationship with boyfriend Ben Porter also made her more comfortable with her regular size: “She’s been enjoying life more with Ben and the weight crept back on.”