Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has spoken out about a devastating body-shaming comment that profoundly impacted her career and self-image. The 42-year-old actress, best known for playing Eva Price on the ITV soap, shared the cruel remark during a candid discussion on the pressures of appearance in the public eye.
The Comment That 'Stayed' With Her
Tyldesley recalled attending an audition where a director told her, 'Kath, you're hilarious - you're always going to be the fat funny one. You’re a character actress.' While she loved comedy, the Worsley-born star had aspirations beyond that limiting label. 'I also wanted to be a leading lady. That comment stayed with me,' she revealed, though she did not disclose which TV show the audition was for.
She explained that when the comment was made, the culture was dominated by weight loss trends like cereal diets and other fads. Unlike today, there was little widespread education about the dangers of such restrictive eating plans, which can include approaches like the Carnivore, Low-carb, and Ketogenic diets.
A Shift in Focus: From Weight Loss to Health
Today, Catherine's perspective has transformed. Speaking to Dr Jonquille Chantrey on the AgeLess podcast, she stated that her priority is no longer aesthetics. 'It's no longer about weight loss for me, it's about health,' she said. 'I want to be on this planet for as long as possible for my children. I want stamina. I want to feel strong.'
Dr Chantrey supported this view, highlighting the real toll of 'aesthetic labour' in industries like film and TV. She noted that the pressure to look a certain way isn't superficial; it can disrupt sleep, alter stress hormones like cortisol, and even affect the body's tissue repair processes.
The Impact of Social Media and Industry Pressure
As a parent, Tyldesley expressed deep concern about the rise of filtered social media images and constant online comparison. 'Young people are looking at filtered images thinking, 'Why don't I look like that?'' she said, adding that it makes her 'really sad.'
The actress also disclosed that she knows people in the industry who have undergone cosmetic surgery directly because of online criticism about their arms, face, or stomach. 'People don't realise how life-changing those words can be,' she warned.
While Catherine is often seen sharing gym photos, she now adopts a balanced approach. If she misses a workout, she doesn't panic. She fits exercise around her children, aiming for fitness that gives her energy on set and at home. She also opened up about the mental health impact of her post-pregnancy body changes, stating that getting support was crucial to feeling like herself again.
