Linda Barker 'astounded' by reaction to her bikini-clad appearance on Splash!

Splash! star Linda Barker, who said she was "astounded" by the reaction to her appearance on the diving show and admitted she had to be talked into wearing a bikini for the cameras. (PA)

Splash! star Linda Barker said she was "astounded" by the reaction to her appearance on the diving show and admitted she had to be talked into wearing a bikini for the cameras.

The interior designer-turned television presenter said she credits her intense exercise regime for her slim figure.

She told Hello! Magazine: "Exercise makes me feel good and confident, which is hugely powerful."

The star, who has just been signed up to front a lingerie campaign, works out twice a week with a personal trainer, runs marathons and practices yoga.

She said she did not expect the public attention she got after appearing on the ITV show.

She said: "After the first live show, my neighbour texted me to look online at all the comment like, 'how does a 51-year-old woman get abs like that?'.

"My husband Chris and I were having a cup of tea in bed and were just astounded."

Barker originally did not plan to wear a bikini, opting instead for a black running top and bikini bottoms - until a member of the wardrobe department intervened.

Barker said: "She came over and said 'you've got to wear a bikini'. I went, 'Really? Do you think I'll be all right?' "And she said, 'I think it will be fabulous. There'll be hair and make-up and glitter everywhere.' So I thought, 'Let's do it.

:: Read the full interview in Hello! Magazine on sale now.

PA