A SUPER slimmer from Eastleigh reached the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top female slimmers, where she met Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas.

Charlotte Miles, 26, who lives in the centre of Eastleigh, was one of just 44 women to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2018 competition after losing an impressive 6st 12.5lbs.

It was there she was congratulated by Jamie, who is also known for his roles in EastEnders and Coronation Street.

The single mother-of-one, who works as a kitchen assistant at King Edward's School, slimmed from 17st 2lbs to 10st 3.5lbs.

She said: “Before I found Slimming World everything just felt like such a struggle.

"Simple tasks would become massive chores because I’d get out of breath so easily, and having so much weight to lose just felt like a huge battle.

"After I joined Slimming World it was as though my eyes were completely opened. What made it even easier was that I could still enjoy the same meals as my friends and family.

"Old favourites like chilli-con-carne and curries were all still on the menu, I just prepared and cooked them differently.

"I picked up loads of tips in my Slimming World group too. Everyone is full of ideas and advice, and their support really helped me to believe in myself and my ability to make a change.

"Slimming World has completely changed my life.”

Charlotte has now taken up Clubbersize and also walks her son Lucas to school to help her keep fit.

She made it to the semi-finals after members of her group at Saint Francis Church Hall in Eastleigh voted for her to be their representative in the national Woman of the Year competition.

She then went on to triumph at the regional heat, which saw her go through to the Woman of the Year 2018 semi-finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.

Jamie Lomas said: “I think Charlotte looks absolutely fantastic, she’s done amazingly well to change her life around like she has. She seems so full of confidence now and that’s really great to see."

Debra Williams, who runs the Eastleigh group, commented: "The change on the outside is plain to see, yet she has changed so much on the inside, too. These days she’s ready to take on whatever challenges life throws at her and we couldn’t be prouder of her.”