+++ Kian is my soulmate +++

Hollyoaks honey Jodi Albert talks to new! about dating one of Ireland's cutest crooners, keeping trim and hanging out with the Westlife boys...

At the tender age of 20, bubbly brunette Jodi is already making her mark on the UK showbiz circuit. Aged just 15, the east London lass was recruited by pop guru Simon Cowell to join girlband Girl Thing. And, thanks to a chance meeting, Jodi was introduced to her now boyfriend Kian Egan, 24, whose then little-known band Westlife was signed up to the same record label, although the couple didn't get together until a few years later.

"I really fancied him from the moment I met him", Jodi giggles. "He told Simon he fancied me, too, but was told to back off until I was older."

The pair kept in touch and finally got together after bumping into each other at Party In The Park last year.

Unfortunately, Girl Thing didn't set the charts alight and the band split up. But a year on, Jodi landed the role of tart with a heart Debbie Dean in Channel 4's hit teen soap Hollyoaks.

Things have been manic for Jodi of late, as she's had some juicy storylines and a heaving film schedule. But as she breezes into the studio looking bright-eyed and grinning from ear to ear, it's hard to believe she's been up since the crack of dawn filming for the soap. We sit down for a chat in between costume changes and find out just what it is that has put that huge smile on her face…

It looks as if things are going well for you at the moment?
Things are just brilliant at the moment. Work's really busy and things are great with Kian. We've been going out for just over a year, and we're very much in love. It really is a fairy-tale relationship. He's my soulmate. There have been rumours flying around that we're getting married, and yes, it's something we might consider one day. But we're both so young and there's still so much we want to do with our lives first. We're happy with things the way they are.

It must be hard keeping your relationship going when you're both so busy ?
I've been in showbiz since I was 15 so I've never really known a 'normal' relationship. When we first started going out, we saw each other once a week, but now my work schedule is getting busier on Hollyoaks, we only see each other every two weeks. It can be hard, but we trust each other 100 per cent. He is the most fantastic boyfriend. He always calls to make sure my day is going OK. he's one of the most caring and genuine people I've ever met.

If you weren't loved up with Kian, who'd be next on your list?
Ooh, it would have to be John Travolta. It's the way he works those hips, even though he's a bit old. But he's married, and I'm not the type of girl to split up a relationship. I can't stand women like that. Actually I'm quite fussy when it comes to dating guys. I have to know them really well first. I find dates so embarrassing!

Has Kian got any bad habits?
When he gets undressed, he leaves stuff everywhere, so he's a bit messy. He'll never admit it, but you can guarantee there'll be pants and socks all over the bathroom floor. Rather than get annoyed, I like to think he's leaving little bits of Kian all over the place for me to find.

Talking of undressing, you Hollyoaks ladies are always whipping your kit off. How do you keep in such good shape?
I used to do a lot of hip-hop dancing down at London's Pineapple studios a couple of years ago before I joined Hollyoaks, which stood me in good stead for looking and keeping fit. But things have been so busy since the show that I only have time to go to the gym for a 25-minute run every now and again or the odd yoga class. I don't go as often as I should as I'm so exhausted.

Are you happy with your body?
Yes and no. I don't look at myself and go, "Yeah I'm gorgeous." I'm aware of my bad points. I know I need to get a bit more toned, but I#m not fat. When I'm getting porky, I can feel it around my midriff. There is a little too much love around my handles at the moment!

What would be a typical day's diet for you?
Normally I'll have a bowl of cereal for breakfast, a panini for lunch and then something little for dinner like a salad - but that's mainly because I'm not a very good cook. I do like treats like pizza and I love chocolate more than anything. Every now and again it's fine, but I try not to get too greedy.

When it comes to clothes, are you a high-street gal or strictly a designer chick?
I loved dressing up for this shoot and getting into the Bridget Bardot character, as it's not often you get dolled up to the nines and play the part of someone totally glam. Normally I love a mix of designer and high-street clothes, but a lot of designer stuff is gross. High-street fashion is great because it's funky and you can customise the things you wear.

Ex BB housemate Ray Shah recently said of you, "I love her, she's the most gorgeous woman in the world. She'd make me the settling down type." What do you make of that?
Ahhh, that's so sweet. I'm really flattered, but to be honest, I can't remember what he looks like! I didn't watch the last series, but I did see the fight in this series. I couldn't believe the way the girls were provoking big guys like that. They were all really childish and bitchy. It was like being back at school - girls used to bitch about me all the time because they were jealous and it made my life miserable. I hate that sort of behaviour. It's a total waste of life being bitter.

Do you get any grief from jealous Westlife fans?
Actually, no, not at all. There was a rumour that I was being stalked by deranged Westlife fans, but it's totally the opposite. The fans are really lovely. They come up to me and tell me how happy they are for me and Kian. I've had some weird stuff from Hollyoaks fans, though. There was one guy who sent me 50 cards a week saying the same things, like, "You're the most beautiful girl in the world" and asking me to show my belly button piercing and wear fishnet tights on the show. I don't think he was mentally well.

You've recently been labelled the new Victoria Beckham. What do you make of that?
I'm flattered - she's such a big celebrity. But I can't see it myself. The only thing we have in common is our hair. A feel really sorry for her with all the Rebecca Loos business. It's bad enough having your husband allegedly cheat on you without having it splashed all over the papers.

Has Kian been the victim of any kiss-and-tells?
Yeah - before my time, though so it doesn't worry me. It's amazing how much rubbish papers print. It has made Kian very cautious about who he can trust.

Do you get on with the other members of his band?
I've known them since before they were famous so I just see them as regular guys. They are so grounded and normal, and I think that's why they've lasted so long.

We bet they're a real laugh to go out with?
Definitely. They're Irish and they're boys and they love a drink. It's brilliant when we all go out - they know how to have a good time. But sometimes they hurt themselves. At the end-of-tour party in Belfast last year, Shane spilt a drink on the floor and Kian, being Kian, slipped over in it and busted his arm.

Do you get on with the Westlife wives?
I've known them for years and we all get on well. I don't see them much but we always have a good laugh. They never give me a grief about me and Kian tying the knot - unlike some people!

Have you any exciting plans in the pipeline?
Hollyoaks contracts come up for renewal in October, and maybe I'll think about things then. I've been here for two years and it's been fantastic, but I'd like to challenge myself and throw myself into something new. I'd like to get back into music, too. People joke about me and Kian doing a duet, but there's absolutely no way. How cheesy would that be?

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
I hope to be extremely happy and be surrounded by people I love. This business doesn't mean anything to me unless I'm happy. In an ideal world, I'd like to be doing something in Hollywood films or maybe music, but my main goal is just to keep pushing myself in whatever I do.

Source: New!

 

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