Claire Richards embraces her curves to emulate Fifties siren Jayne Mansfield

'I'm never going to be a skinny Kate Moss': Claire Richards embraces her curves to emulate Fifties siren Jayne Mansfield

By Andrea Magrath

Last updated at 8:12 AM on 8th November 2011



She's endured a very public battle with her weight over the years.

But as her star soars again thanks to her band's hugely successful reunion, Steps singer Claire Richards has finally embraced her body.

And what better way to show off her gorgeous curves than posing scantily clad as Fifties pin-up Jayne Mansfield?

Siren: Steps star Claire Richards emulates Jayne Mansfield in a sizzling new photoshoot

The 34-year-old poses provocatively as the iconic screen siren in a sizzling new photoshoot for Closer magazine and admits she'll 'never be a skinny Kate Moss.'


Claire, who is now a size 14 to 16 and weighs 12 stone, says proudly: 'It’s much easier to look like a ’50s siren when you’ve got boobs, a bum and a few curves.

'In the past, celebrities were "real women" with real bodies, not skinny waifs. There’s nothing more attractive than looking feminine.'

Icon: Richards emulates this 1950 image of the actress and says 'I think this kind of sexy-but-sophisticated look really suits me'

She adds: 'I think this kind of sexy-but-sophisticated look really suits me.'

Pin-up Mansfield is probably best known for her roles in 1957 film Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and 1960's Too Hot To Handle.

Claire tells Heat that she prefers being a role model for 'real woman,' than make herself miserable yo-yo dieting and over-exercising.

'I’ve spent so long trying to be something I’m not – I never found that balance,' she says. 'I was either tiny or really fat. I never gave my body a chance to find its way.'

Richards has been thrust back into the spotlight following the TV hit Steps Reunion, with the band enjoying their Greatest Hits album going to number one and an upcoming sold-out tour.

But she admits she was wary of the reunion, fearing it would bring up old issues regarding the pressure she felt to be thin during Steps' heyday in the Nineties.

So far, the singer is staying strong and maintaining her healthy attitude.

Steps will embark on a tour in April, and added extra dates after their initial 14-night run sold out in a day.

It will kick off at Belfasts' Odyssey Arena on April 2 and will conclude at the O2 in London on April 19.

For the full interview buy Closer magazine, on sale now.

Reignited: Claire's star is soaring again thanks to the recent steps reunion

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2058647/Steps-Claire-Richards-emulates-50s-siren-Jayne-Mansfield-Ill-skinny-like-Kate-Moss.html#ixzz1d6v1SpQg