Lake dances her way slim

Ricki Lake is almost renowned for the battle she has had with her weight, however, the star revealed on the Ellen DeGeneres show her appearance on 'Dancing with the Stars' has caused her to lose more than a stone.

The original Tracy Turnblad of 'Hairspray' shed an incredible 15 pounds and plans to revamp her wardrobe as she continues to see her waist shrink.

However, exercise is not the only factor helping her get trim.

Former beau of Cheryl Cole, Derek Hough, has been encouraging Lake to keep moving.

She told Ellen: "The Derek Hough diet is the best. I lost five inches in my waist, and five inches in my hips. It's hardcore."

She also told Us Weekly: "I will be wearing less and less clothing the smaller I get. I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin."

Ricki, who hosted her own show between 1998 and 2004, was born in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, in 1968.