EE: Tiana Benjamin

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'I hate my big bottom,' says size 10 EastEnders actress Tiana Benjamin
18th November 2008

With her long legs and luscious hair EastEnders star Tiana Benjamin has an enviously attractive figure. But the 24-year-old admits in this week's Closer magazine that despite her size 10 frame she hates seeing her bottom onscreen.

'Big bums run in the family and I do like it really, and I don't try to hide it - I can't hide it actually!' said Tiana, who plays Chelsea Fox. 'I hardly ever watch myself on EastEnders, but if I do, I sometimes dread that it's going to look massive onscreen.' But despite her worries Tiana says she is happy with her figure and doesn't diet. 'My mum would kill me if I didn't eat properly, curves are celebrated in my family,' she said.

Tiana, who showed off her body in a sultry shoot for the magazine, said she sticks to a healthy eating plan. Her normal daily diet consists of Shreddies for breakfast, a chicken and salad sandwich for lunch and a dinner of salmon steaks with rice and courgettes. But Tiana doesn't always stick to the healthy options. 'I give in to takeaways if I fancy one - I love McDonald's and Nandos! And if I'm on set, I'll sometimes tuck into chips and jacket potatoes at the canteen.'

And instead of working out at the gym Tiana has another plan to get fit - belly dancing classes. 'You have to be really supple, which I'm working on,' she said.

[Skylace]

Just goes to show you that everyone has things that they don't like about themselves. Personally I think she has a knock out body, one of the best on the show. I am glad that she does eat normal though and finds a good way to stay active.

[SpursFan1902]

Yep, everyone has stuff about themselves that they don't like. It's funny, I have never noticed that her bottom is large...I am usually yelling "stupid, selfish cow" at her!!

[Skylace]

[eefanincan]

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Tiana Benjamin: ‘I was a skinny teen, but now I’ve got sexy curves – and I love it’
The EastEnder, 24, on embracing her wild side, and that killer bootie
Rhiannon Vivian
14/06/2009

What is the most showbiz thing ever to happen to Tiana Benjamin? Flying to Portugal’s hot, sizzling and stunning Algarve to do Celebs On Sunday’s sexy swimwear photo shoot, that’s what. No word of a lie. Forget the red carpet and the glitzy awards do’s, Tiana was far more excited to grab her passport and shades and head for the lush balmy climes of the Mediterranean. But it was hardly a tricky decision. Walford market in the rain, and a knock-off leopard print two-piece from Stacey Slater’s stall to wear down the local lido? Or aquamarine infinity pools, clear blue skies and a suitcase of chic bikinis? No contest. Thank goodness EastEnders’ beautician totty Chelsea Fox could get cover at the salon to join us...

‘Seriously, this shoot is really glamorous,’ says Tiana. ‘It’s definitely my most showbiz moment so far. I love all the bikinis too.’ She certainly looks the goods. With a flat tum, endless legs and a derrière J.Lo would kill for, we want to find out what this lady’s secrets are. So over a (very un-celeby) burger, chips and beer (no freaky diets here) Tiana talks bikini secrets, body blitzers, the surgeon’s knife... and pole dancing.

Tiana’s Body Biography...
* I was very tall, skinny and gangly when I was young and I didn’t enjoy that. I hated being taller than everyone at school. But I got scouted by a model agent once or twice though, then I thought, ‘Maybe it’s not so bad’.

* I’ve become more comfortable with my body as I’ve got older. But I’ve never woken up and gone, ‘Wow I love my legs’ or anything. I don’t mind my bum – it does look very big on screen, but what can I do? It’s just part of my genetic make up. I’ve learned to embrace it. The sexiest people are the ones who are most comfy in their own skin. And I really respect celebs who are naturally curvaceous. It’s a really important message. Lollipop heads are awful.

* My view on plastic surgery is whatever makes you happy. I’m personally really squeamish and can only just deal with a trip to the dentist let alone anything else. Then again I don’t know what I’ll look like in 40 years’ time...

* I’ve twice been nominated for Sexiest Female at the Soap Awards which makes me laugh. Clearly not many people know or see me first thing in the morning. I find it complimentary, but also a bit embarrassing. Of course, if I wasn’t shortlisted I’d be a bit upset. The nomination is a reflection on my EastEnders character, Chelsea I’m sure. She is very overtly sexual – it’s always t*ts and a*se out. All, ‘You gonna buy me a drink, then?’ bolshiness. She’s fearless and I love that. Through her, I get to embrace my wild side on screen. She’s my alter ego. I loved it when she dressed up as a St Trinians schoolgirl to seduce Theo. There’s a bit of me in her, that wild side. That’s something I’ll bring out in my personal life. But it’s something she will do in the Vic. She doesn’t care – she’s constantly working it! So much so I think men think I am her when I go out. They do try their luck. I’m not single – my boyfriend’s not in the industry – so I don’t need to worry, but it makes me laugh. I bet it’d be different if Chelsea was a librarian in a polo neck. The funniest thing was someone driving past me shouting, ‘Chelsea get yer t*ts out!’ At least I know people are watching the show.’

Tiana’s bikini guide
‘I generally dress to accentuate my curves, and the lines of 50s-style bikinis accommodate a womanly figure. I love the gingham bikini for this reason. I also love the blue and black polka-dot bikini because it’s fun. The bright yellow is great too – you really stand out. When I go on holiday my criteria tends to be to just find the nicest, prettiest bikini I can. I do prefer hot pants on the bottom half though, because I have a big bum.’

Tiana’s body secrets
* Where my family is from (in Sierra Leone) and the way I’ve been brought up, big is beautiful and curves are it. Men like them. I’m not from the school of thought that skinny is attractive.

* I don’t diet. Like you saw – I had a burger for lunch and a beer. You can’t deny yourself. If things started wobbling that shouldn’t be I’d definitely do something about it. But at the moment I’m happy.

* I dance occasionally at Pineapple Studios when I get time off. My life is hectic anyway so I burn off calories just getting everything done.

* I’ve had one or two pole dancing lessons. It’s not easy. It’s a full body workout. There was a story in a paper not so long ago saying I thought it was normal to have a pole in your living room. I can honestly tell you I didn’t say that. I’m not a weirdo!

* Everyone should own a good Wonderbra. Other than that I don’t really have any tips on how to dress. I try not to show the legs and cleavage at the same time, but I’m sure there are pictures of me doing both...

• Fashion: Charlotte Adsett assisted by Carly Stevens. Photography: Elliott Ryan. Hair and make-up: Shani Robertson.

[SpursFan1902]

Quite a jump from I hate my bottom...

[Skylace]

Good for her!

[SpursFan1902]

I just read this again...Lolipop heads..Ha Ha!! I love it!

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[pirtybirdy]

Well, at least if her acting endeavors do not pan out, she should still have a good modeling career. She's quite an attractive lady. Best of luck to her. I think they could have done more with her character though.

[eefanincan]

I agree, pirty. They really haven't done much with her character so good for her for moving on. And she certainly is attractive enough to do modelling if she chooses.

[Colston]

I'm not confident for her future....

[SpursFan1902]

Alot of stars leave EE and end up coming back....let's see what happens to Tiana.

[Twirley]

She IS attractive and there have been some scenes where her acting skills have come to the fore. Shame they haven't made more of her character. She could have been the character to actually get a modelling contract and then just pop in to screw thing sup for her mum or Libby...or even good ole Lucas!!