Looking Strictly stunning: Fern Britton reveals an even slimmer figure as stars film Christmas special

Showstopper: A slender and glamorous Fern Britton 

She famously had her head ­digitally imposed on to a skinnier woman’s body for a Ryvita advert.

But this time, the svelte figure on display really did belong to Fern ­Britton as she donned a sparkling ­turquoise mini-dress for a Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. 

A year after stepping down from ITV1 show This Morning, Miss Britton, who has faced a very public battle with her weight in the past, looked glamorous and confident on the dancefloor.

Having the time of her life: Fern couldn't stop grinning as she danced with Matthew Cutler

The star, 53, has clearly overcome the embarrassment of admitting to having a gastric band fitted in order to help her shed the pounds.

In 2008, Miss Britton – who has said Strictly is her ‘family’s favourite programme’ - was forced to reveal that two years before she had secretly had the operation to reduce the size of her stomach.

It had helped her lose five stone and drop from a size 16 to a 12.

The admission caused great embarrassment for her because she had been advocating natural weight loss and become the face and body of Ryvita in a £200,000-a-year deal.

Miss Britton was joined on the special by Lib Dem MP and current Coalition Cabinet member Vince Cable, the Business Secretary.

Passion: Fern cuts a particularly sexy image as she reveals some very shapely legs