Looking Strictly stunning: Fern Britton reveals an even slimmer figure as stars film Christmas special

Showstopper: A slender and glamorous Fern Britton 

She famously had her head ­digitally imposed on to a skinnier woman’s body for a Ryvita advert.But this time, the svelte figure on display really did belong to Fern ­Britton as she donned a sparkling ­turquoise mini-dress for a Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. 

Having the time of her life: Fern couldn't stop grinning as she danced with Matthew Cutler

The star, 53, has clearly overcome the embarrassment of admitting to having a gastric band fitted in order to help her shed the pounds.In 2008, Miss Britton – who has said Strictly is her ‘family’s favourite programme’ - was forced to reveal that two years before she had secretly had the operation to reduce the size of her stomach.It had helped her lose five stone and drop from a size 16 to a 12.The admission caused great embarrassment for her because she had been advocating natural weight loss and become the face and body of Ryvita in a £200,000-a-year deal.Miss Britton was joined on the special by Lib Dem MP and current Coalition Cabinet member Vince Cable, the Business Secretary.

Passion: Fern cuts a particularly sexy image as she reveals some very shapely legs

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