Ulrika's mother of all diets

For some celebrity mothers, it's no longer enough just to get back in shape after giving birth.

They have to end up even slimmer than when they started.

Latest to adopt the trend is Ulrika Jonsson, one-time weathergirl and Gladiators presenter.

By the time she had her third child, daughter Martha, her weight had shot up to 12 1/2 stone.

But only 11 months later, the 37-year-old Swede has shed an astonishing 4 stone and is the lightest she has ever been.

She follows the recent example of Victoria Beckham and Davina McCall, who have also become shadows of their former selves.

In a magazine interview, 5ft 7in Ulrika has harsh words for Mrs Beckham. She says: 'I think Posh starved herself to slim.

'It's obvious that she feels the pressure to remain thin and it's not right - women are being given a very dangerous image of how we should look straight after pregnancy.' Then, however, she goes on to give details of her own diet plan and explains how to 'lose half a stone in two weeks'.

She warns new mothers: 'It's important to try and cut out snacking on junk and convenience food.

'Not everyone can afford a personal trainer but they can afford to make a healthy pasta dish.'

Ulrika, who runs four times a week, advises mums to throw themselves into an exercise regime saying: 'The thought of me running five miles used to be as ridiculous as me becoming Prime Minister but you start small and build up.'

She adds: 'I've always wanted to be able to wear a bikini without being embarrassed - and now for the first time ever I can.'

Ulrika last hosted a major show two years ago when she presented ITV1's Mr Wright. Although she was supposed to find contestant Lance Gerrard-Wright a girlfriend, she married him herself.

Read Closer magazine for Ulrika's full story.