If you want the definition of a superwoman, take a good look at Fleur East. Having given birth to her daughter Nova in March 2024, she’s back on her Hits Radio Breakfast Show and has also just taken on the challenge of a West End role as none other than Tina Turner. So, how did she transform herself into one of music’s most iconic divas – and where does she get the energy from to bounce from breakfast radio to that Rollin’ On the River routine?
You gave birth to Nova last March. Did you keep up with your fitness while pregnant?
The last time I did a proper run was around two months pregnant, while during pregnancy, I stuck to spinning and walking, and took it easy, so I thought this role might be a bit much! I let my body relax when I was pregnant because I was working a lot, which was enough of a load. But I didn’t realise how important stretching was during pregnancy until the last two weeks. You need your body to be loose for labour and your body stretches differently. I was aching so much.
How was your recovery?
Before I had my daughter, I remember thinking, ‘A week after giving birth, I’m going to the gym’. But I couldn’t even walk for three days, so exercising was the last thing on my mind. I had a homebirth, but it was a shock to the system. It was like nothing I expected, to be honest.
What exercise did you do post-birth?
I went to an amazing pelvic health specialist for physio called Sarah Tyler. She gave me exercises to do at home to re-engage the core. Lying on the floor and raising my knees, stomach pumps, breathing and squeezing abs, gentle movements. I had a separation – a pelvic diastasis – so I had to work to repair that. There are so many people who don’t look into their pelvic health, probably loads walking around with diastasis without knowing. I saw Sarah for about two months and she discharged me saying, ‘You’ve done amazing work. You’ve closed the gap’.
Playing Tina Turner in the West End is such an endurance test on the body – what was your prep?
I did a 10K run for My Kurl Kitchen Run Club, a haircare brand I have with my sister. We would hold a run meet-up once a month, before rehearsals started. So, I was on a roll with my fitness, and it was good to have that challenge beforehand. The 10K was a shock to the system, but it set me up in the right way for Tina. I started training when Nova was nine months old. I was running five times a week, for an hour to see how far I could go. I was hitting around 8K and building up. I wanted to do 10K in around an hour. That training helped build my stamina and endurance for Tina.
How did it feel?
I did a trail run a few years ago to push out my comfort zone, and I often sprint or run 30 minutes on the treadmill. But when I got back to it after having Nova, my pelvis ached a lot, and I thought it was a bit much. So, I just listened to myself and did what I could handle. When I started stretching more, doing physio and adding distance gradually, I was fine.
How has your body changed since playing Tina?
All my friends say, ‘You’ve got the Tina arms!’ I’m doing a lot of shoulder movements and a step called The Pony, which is like skipping across the stage. The stage is on a slant, so in heels you’re having to stabilise yourself while doing dance routines and spinning around . You’re using a lot of your leg, core and back muscles. I’ve noticed a lot more muscle definition, but it’s been a great way to stay in shape.
How has your exercise routine changed?
I started Pilates once a week, which is great for strength. It’s called Strong Pilates and it’s a type of reformer Pilates with weights, plus cardio in the form of a spin bike or rowing machine built on the end. You get a full body workout. But the show's full on, it’s two-and-a-half hours on my feet, so I’m dripping every time I come off stage.
Are you finding time for rest days and self-care?
Yes, there’s a lot of recovery that goes on for the show. I have a massage every two weeks because my body just aches. I have a lot of salt baths and take magnesium. And I’ve got a foam roller for my quads and knees, which start to feel the work on that stage. I have a shower after the show and do a cold blast – it’s good for recovery and stimulating muscles. I drink a lot of electrolytes, and I use a brand called Humantra. I also have turmeric and ginger to help with inflammation.
How are you looking after your mental health?
The massage is a big thing. On Sundays, when there’s no show and I’m free I spend the day with my family, I make sure I check out. Good food is so key, too. I’ll have a roast – last week, I had two Yorkshires as my husband Marcel didn’t have his.
Your diet must support all the intense activity?
Yes, it’s protein-heavy as I’m so busy. I love a matcha latte in the morning as it’s a natural energy boost, full of antioxidants. I eat boiled eggs a lot. My husband trains a lot, so he has them for lunch, and my daughter has an egg with avocado. We put on about six eggs, so everyone has some!
Do you have a good sleep routine?
Now I do, I never used to be, but because my schedule is so packed, sleep is key to a good voice, so I don’t mess with that. I go to bed about 8.30pm, or 10.30pm if I’m doing a show. I have water, ginger and turmeric tea before bed. When I’m on my period, I have to take it easy, and I’ll need to steam my voice after.
You wrap in September – what’s next?
I go straight back to Strictly It Takes Two. Around Christmas, we’ll go away. But I’d love to do more acting. I've really enjoyed it.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is playing at the Aldwych theatre, London, until 13 September. Get your tickets here.