Coronation St's Shobna reveals eating disorder

Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has revealed that she deprives herself of water when she is stressed - after past battles with eating disorders.

The actress, who used to play Sunita Alahan in the soap and is returning on Thursday after a four year break, made the shocking claims when talking to The Mirror.

She said: "Sometimes I won't drink anything. Last week I only drank two litres of water during the whole week because I was in a mood with myself.

"I know it's not good for me because that's how much you're supposed to drink in a day. But all it takes is for me to make a mistake, to do something badly or make the wrong choice and I want to punish myself. It can be anything - just everyday stresses, work and family."

In the past Shobna deprived herself of food when she was stressed, she said: "Is it to do with weight? I'm not sure eating disorders are to do with wanting to be lighter.

"I think in my case it is to do with not wanting to be who I am. So I control my eating or what I wear or drink.

"If your life is coming at you in all directions, and you can't grasp it, then there are only certain areas you can grasp for yourself - and that's what food or liquid you put into your body."

The actress revealed that she dropped to just six stone, seven pounds when she broke up with her boyfriend two years ago.

Shobna said: "I was really upset and I couldn't eat. It felt like all the break-ups I'd ever had were happening at the same time.

"I went for counselling and I loved it - it made me examine myself. I would go back again if I needed it.

"Did I have anorexia? I don't know; I don't like that label."

Shobna's character in Coronation Street, Sunita, will come face to face with past lover Dev on the soap on Thursday at 8.30pm on ITV1.

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