A PRINCETOWN woman, who teaches Slimming World classes in Tavistock, recently met EastEnders star Shane Richie at a glittering awards ceremony.
Marie Elliott has helped dozens of people shed the pounds in the four years she has been running her weekly classes at the Royal British Legion.
She was invited to the annual Slimming World Awards at Birmingham?s International Convention Centre, where the achievements of some of the organisation?s 250,000 members were celebrated.
Shane Richie, who plays the Queen Vic?s new rogue manager Alfie Moon, hosted the event.
Marie said: ?It was a fabulous night out and Shane was excellent as compere. He was full of admiration for our slimmers and seemed genuinely impressed by Slimming World and the work we do.?
The popular actor and entertainer said: ?I was blown away by the whole event. All those people who have transformed their lives by losing weight ? it?s a dream come true for them.?
Marie, who is one of 2,500 trained Slimming World consultants in the UK, predicts a surge of new members in the new year, with weight loss high on people?s agendas.
?This new year there?s an extra large helping of motivation on the menu with Food Optimising and an organised six week Slimathon to raise funds for the NSPCC.
?Everyone?s welcome to join in, whether they?re a member or not, right up until the end of March.?
Marie?s classes run every Thursday at 4.45pm. Anyone interested in joining can call her on 01822 890506.