'I am what I am': Martine McCutcheon shows off her curves in new photoshoot as she insists she is proud to be a role model for 'real' women

By Sarah Bull
Last updated at 8:06 AM on 14th April 2011

She's had her fair share of time in the spotlight over her weight in the past.
But now Martine McCutcheon has posed for a new photoshoot to show off her curves and insists she is proud to be a role model for 'real' women.
The 34-year-old actress, who previously admitted she fluctuates between a size 8 and a 14, said she has learned to accept and love her figure.

Role model: Martine McCutcheon has posed for a sexy new photoshoot for SHE magazine and says she is proud to be a role model for 'real' women

She told SHE magazine: 'I think there's always room for improvement, but I've learned a lot since hitting my 30s and accepting what I am and what I'm not. And I've stopped striving for something I can't maintain.
'I don't want to fly the flag for being unhealthy and overweight, but I don't want to fly the flag for being too thin either.
'I've never pretended to be a supermodel. I am what I am. I'm attractive, I make the most of myself and I'm real.'

Content: Martine spoke about her love for fiancé Jack McManus, with whom she is planning her wedding

In the accompanying photoshoot, Martine looks stunning as she poses in a slinky satin dress before changing into a pussybow shirt and polka dot skirt for another shot.
However, the former EastEnders star admits it was difficult maintaining her figure in the public eye.
She added: 'I think it was a blessing and a curse growing up in the public eye. I’ve had everything said about me that can be said - the good, the bad, the ugly.
'You start to realise you need to be own best friend and be kind to yourself.'

Fluctuating: Martine has previously revealed her weight fluctuates between a size 14, seen right, and an eight

As well as proudly displaying her curves in the shoot, Martine sports a glowing complexion, which could be down to the fact she is in the process of planning her wedding to fiancé Jack McManus.
However, Martine said she isn't too worried about starting a family too quickly, and would like to enjoy married life before having children.
She said: 'I’m not too worried about having children at the moment. I feel like, it’ll happen when it happens, but I’m not yearning to be a mother. I’d be lying if I said I am.

Bikini body: Martine insists she has learned to grow proud of her curves, which she showed off on holiday in 2007

Bikini body: Martine insists she has grown proud of her curves, which she showed off on holiday in 2007

The full interview appears in SHE magazine, out now

'My mum had my brother when I was 15 and I was like another mum to him.
'So I’ve no illusions about the fairytale family, I know the reality of hard work.

'I'm enjoying being loved up and having my career my way and feeling a lot more content in my own skin.
'I think there are lots of passions in life that don’t have to revolve around taking care of someone else 24/7.'
And Martine, who previously dated Mick Hucknall and model James Gooding, said she believes her past relationships put her on the path to meeting singer McManus.
She said: 'I don’t think it’s a coincidence that knowing myself made me find someone who’s a lot better for me.

'How can you pick the right person when you don’t even know yourself?
'But I wouldn’t change the relationships I had. They helped me define what I wanted.'

The full interview with Martine appears in this month's SHE magazine, on sale now.