New Dawn as comic sheds over 7 stone

The actress, who is still getting used to her new shape, said she had never been unhappy with her size and does not plan to lose any more weight.

In an interview with the new edition of Woman magazine, she said she also struggles to swim in the sea after shedding the pounds because she now feels the cold after losing her insulation.

French will soon be seen on screen in a slimmer form for the new series of downbeat BBC comedy Roger & Val Have Just Got In, but she has lost a further three stone since then.

“When we filmed the series, I’d lost about 4st but I’ve lost 7st 7lb now. I don’t want to lose much more but it’s funny looking at Roger & Val – because I look so different now.”

She added: “I have a great fondness for that other body. I knew it very well and I don’t know this one as well, not yet.

“I was never actually unhappy then so it’s not the case that I was miserable and I’m happy now.”

She told the magazine: “The fact is, I’m still a fat woman.”