Ricki Lake has had a big story beyond getting to the finals with professional Derek Hough – a weight loss of more than 20 pounds – and several dress sizes.
The actress and returning talk show host started the competition a size 8, vowing not to try on wedding dresses until the competition was over and she revealed to Access Hollywood she is now 15 inches smaller and just a size 4.
“If we don’t win, I really will be OK. I feel like I’ve won thus far. I’ve come further than I thought I would,” Ricki told Access guest correspondent Tim Vincent on Monday night.
Ricki credits her weight loss transformation to eating right (she used a food preparation service many of the competitors also join to time save time) and the hours and hours of training she put in throughout Season 13 with Derek.
Back in September, Ricki quickly learned that dancing could be a tough workout, as she felt the effects as she prepared for the weeks ahead of competition.
“You sweat so quickly when you do this,” she told Access on September 12, just a few weeks into training. “I could run three miles on a treadmill and not really sweat but yeah, we do [in rehearsals].
“I’m dropping weight like crazy,” she added, then already five inches smaller than when she started the competition. “My pants are falling off.”
Just two weeks later, on September 28, Ricki had dropped even more from her frame.
“I’ve lost 12 inches in three weeks,” she told Access. “Every time I go for the costume fitting each week, it’s smaller and smaller. I’m feeling great. I’m putting in the work. I’m getting a lot of sleep. Everything is on the backburner right now. ‘Dancing’ is my priority.”
By midway through the competition, Ricki had noticed she couldn’t fit into the clothes in her closet.
“I need to get new jeans, all my jeans are falling off,” she laughed with Access on October 5, after a performance night. “I was a size 8 when I started this thing, now my size 6’s are big.”
Derek, who as her pro partner was instrumental in pushing Ricki all season long, also noticed his partner’s transformation, complimenting her in a rehearsal on November 14.
“This has been such a winning season for me and Ricki already. She’s gotten into fantastic shape, we’ve gotten some amazing scores, we’ve had some very memorable routines,” he said. “For me, being memorable is more important than winning.”
And now, with the Season 13 finals Night 1 over, and just one day of competition left, Ricki can look ahead to shopping for the dress in which she’ll wed fiance Christian Evans.
“I have a great career going next year, I’m getting married. Life is good, but I’m going to give it my all. These guys are incredible competitors,” Ricki added.
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