By 'eck, Melanie Sykes! Presenter, 41, declares 'I'm in the best shape of my life' as she peels off for first naked shoot

By Emily Sheridan

Last updated at 3:40 PM on 31st October 2011

During her 20 year modelling career, Melanie Sykes refused to pose nude.

Although a regular feature in lads' mags in the late Nineties, the TV presenter never went the whole hog and stripped off completely.

But feeling more confident with her body than ever before, Sykes decided to peel off for her first naked photoshoot in men's magazine Esquire at the age of 41.

Baring all: Melanie Sykes reclines on a velvet sofa for her first naked photoshoot for Esquire magazine

Throughout her career, Sykes was frequently approached to do naked shoots, but always refused.

But at the age of 41, the former Big Breakfast star said she feels in the best shape of her life.

The full interview with Sykes is in the December issue of Esquire magazine, on sale November 2

An avid gym user, Sykes has taken an even greater interest in working out after she starting dating personal trainer Craig Eleftheriou, 28, earlier this year.

She tells the December issue of Esquire: 'I've constantly been asked to be naked in magazines. But right now I'm in the best shape of my life. I look better than I've ever looked. So you think, "Why the hell not?".

When asked how she maintains her fabulous figure, she admits: 'You've got to watch the booze. But you can't let exercise rule your life. I do like me pork scratchings.'

Sykes started dating Eleftheriou in April after meeting at their local gym.

When asked about their 13-year age gap, she replied: 'I always go for younger men. What's wrong with having a type?

'He reaps all the benefits from my fitness, that's for sure.'

Her new romance comes three years after she split from actor husband Daniel Caltagirone, father of her sons Roman, nine, and Valentino, seven.

The pair separated in 2008 after seven years of marriage and divorced the following year.

n divorce papers released to the public after the divorce hearing in 2009, Sykes claimed she had been left 'distressed' by her husband's failure to understand their financial troubles.

She also cited her husband's 'unreasonable behaviour' as the reason for the break-up.

• The full interview with Sykes is in the December issue of Esquire magazine, on sale November 2.