Shape I’m In: Nadia Forde

TONIGHT sees the third episode of Nadia: Chasing The Dream’, a new four-part series that follows model-turned-singer-turned-TV star Nadia Forde as she tries to make it in the music industry.

In episode one, we saw Nadia arrive in London to begin her radio tour for her new single BPM.

She took on Brighton Pride and the launch of her new calendar before touching down in Ibiza.

There, she got to live the high life on a yacht before the hard gigs began.

“It wasn’t continuous filming. It took 10 months to get it [the documentary] done. Being on tour isn’t as glamorous as people think. I nearly had to cancel the show in Ibiza because of illness”, says the Dubliner, who will be 26 in early May and who is half Italian.

“I was in Milan and Lake Como last year. I didn’t go back to where my family is from — Frosinone up in the mountains. It’s very isolated. A lot of Italians in Ireland come from the same region — there must have been something in the water!”

Her Italian heritage is on her mother’s side but the model has been open about having a difficult relationship with her mother. Asked what her own parenting aim would be if she were to be a mother, she says: “Just commitment — realising a child is there for life. But kids for me are a long way away. I’m looking forward to having 100% unconditional love for a partner and being there for a child 150%.”

After her stint in the I’m a Celebrity jungle, Nadia was invited on reality dating shows but she declined. “There’s nothing wrong with it but it wouldn’t suit me. I’d be way too stressed out. You need to keep some things for yourself and you don’t know what’s going to happen when you’re dating someone.”

Nadia was voted one of the world’s sexiest women in lads’ magazine FHM last year. And she’s billed to be the top Irish woman in the poll this year. “I don’t take it too seriously. They haven’t seen me with no make-up on, with my hair tied up and in my pyjamas. I don’t see myself like that and neither do my friends.”

* Nadia: Chasing The Dream airs tonight at 8pm on 3e. Nadia’s new single Stuck releases at the end of June.

What shape are you in?

I’m getting better. I’m not someone who loves the gym or who gets a huge kick out of working out. I do it because I have to. I have Italian heritage, I’m a curvy woman.

I work out as I want to feel my best in skimpy outfits and swimwear — it’s more for that than weight loss. I also do it for energy. After an hour in the gym I’m wide awake. As hard as it is, it’s worth it.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m trying to be as dairy-free as possible at the moment. In the morning, I have eggs or a smoothie or maybe porridge. Lunch is a smoothie or a salad. Dinner is fish.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I had a big blow-out on Easter Sunday. I love pizza and pancakes. I have a really sweet tooth: my favourite is chocolate and a cup of tea.

What would keep you awake at night?

A lot of things — work, being alone, travelling and being in hotels. I miss friends but a lot of them live in different time zones so, no matter where I am, there’s always someone awake.

How do you relax?

Just chilling out with my friends, staying in bed all day, going for a walk or not doing my hair or make-up.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Jay Z and Beyoncé would be pretty cool. So would Michael Jackson, if we could bring him back from the dead. I’d love to invite Oprah and Liam Neeson — I love him. I’d go for Conor McGregor, the boxer. I’ve met him a few times. He’s funny.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the men’s aftershave Creed. I’m going to get some for my brother, Stephen.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d like a smaller bum.

When did you last cry?

Last night, just a few tears.

What trait do you least like in others?

Lying and laziness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I could be a bit more trusting. I’m a bit of a cynic.

Do you pray?

Yeah, I do actually. In London, I found a church, but it’s not like I’d be going to mass every week, but definitely at Christmas and big celebrations. I light candles if I know someone’s ill — I’d rather do that than go through a whole mass.

What would cheer up your day?

Just a lovely text message. I always like a nice, supportive text message.