A LEYLAND soapstar is making it big as she rubs shoulders with larger than life celebrities in a new reality TV fitness show.

Actress Kay Purcell, 38, better known for playing Cynthia in television soap Emmerdale, is weighing in for Celebrity Fit club in a bid to shed the pounds and raise cash for charity.

The ten-part series will follow the highs and lows of Kay and her seven fat friends on a five month tailor-made fitness regime.

For every pound each celebrity loses the television company will donate £500 to their chosen charity up to a maximum of £20,000.

Since filming started in April the group has raised £90,000 for good causes.

As well as Kay the celebrity line-up includes out spoken MP Ann Widdecombe, Pop Idol finalist Rik Waller, former weatherman Ian McCaskill, Groundforce builder Tommy Walsh, DJ Jono Coleman, TV presenter Coleen Nolan and Family Affairs actress Nicola Duffett.

Leading the group is fitness instructor Harvey Walden, of Fat Club fame, famous for his 'sergeant major' style.

When she started filming the programme Kay's fitness status was described as obese -- and she admits her vice is Jamaican white rum.

Kay, who lives in Leyland, said: "I didn't have a goal in terms of weight loss, but I want to be able to fit into a size 16.

"I enjoy being a big woman, but I also enjoy being healthy and fit, which I hadn't been for a while before joining the show.

"I've always thought of myself as big. Even though I was only a size 14 at college I thought I was the biggest thing ever!"

On the show Kay's progress is monitored at monthly clubs by a team of experts, including a US marine Harvey and she is shadowed at home and work to make sure she stays on track.

Fitting everything in has been difficult for Kay, who is married to Cheddie and has two sons Ashley, 17, and Shemar, four.

Kay said: "Doing this in front of the cameras is a mixed blessing. I always remember this is going to go out in front of millions., but I'm also trying to do my job and raise my family and I really hope that women who are trying to do the same thing can identify with me. I can only try my best!"

Soapstar Kay has found it tough going and fitting the diet around her busy Emmerdale schedule has taken its toll. After her second time on the scales Kay admits she was close to throwing in the towel.

"I was a little disappointed after the second weigh-in and I seriously thought about giving up. I realised how foolish that would be and I've become more determined now," said Kay.

Celebrity Fit Club will be on Granada for ten weeks at the end of September.