Stacey, you are an actress and you have worked in UK soaps "Mile High" and "Casualty" among others - but the biggest role to date must be Cavegirl?

Cavegirl definitely gave me my big break and launched me into the acting world. That’s when I started appearing on the covers of magazines and people would recognise me which was all a bit strange. They say things happen for a reason and that lead me onto “Mile high”.

When did you decide to become an actress?

I actually wanted to be a dancer and trained for many years in different styles of dance. I was about to do the musical “Cats” when “Cavegirl” came along and I thought - well I'm always gonna want to act as well so maybe I'll give this a try.

What's been your proudest role to date?

Auditioning for Ben Elton, that was like a dream for me. He sent me a small script and I had 30 minutes to learn it. I remember sitting on the London tube trying to create a character for this piece. It was mainly rhythmical based and kind of like a rap so I performed it in a very anti female Ali G kind of way.

They loved it so much that they actually then created my character further and wrote me into the script. The character was 'Bling' and the comedy was “Blessed”.

Ever been star struck?

I don't really tend to get star struck but I did meet Hugh Jackman and if I'm honest I was like a little girl and kept saying to myself – “It’s Hugh Jackman! It’s Hugh Jackman! So that was pretty cool.

Do you prefer film or the stage?

Well I've recently been performing in a comedy play called “The Bed before Yesterday” by Ben Travers. It was a great piece to be involved in and Helen Mirren was the first to be cast as my character so I had some big shoes to fill. It was on at The Mill in Sonning.

I suppose I see them both very differently although you can't beat the live aspect of theatre.

You took part in Cirque de Celebrity. What did you learn from the experience?

Cirque de Celebrity was amasing; it was like a huge giant playground.
One thing I learned from doing the show was that I have a greater pain tolerance than I thought I had. I also grew stronger both mentally and physically whilst taking part in the show.

Where did you come in the competition?

I actually came second in the show to Neighbours actor Kyal Marsh but I like to think of myself as the female winner – ha! ha! ha!

People know you as an actress but you recently qualified as a 2nd degree black belt in kickboxing. Congratulations!

Thank you. It was really hard work and I've trained for years in kickboxing but being a 2nd degree black belt is something special. I'm very proud.

Well I'm not going to argue with you......
Can you remember when and why you started getting into Martial Arts.

Ooh, this is a bit of a sad story actually. I had a stalker when I was at college and one day we had a kickboxing open day at the college and I said to myself “I'm definitely going to do this”.

So the first reason was for protection but then as I started to get into it and train more, and because of the movement and combinations, it was like doing choreography and I love anything that’s active.

I graded up to orange belt but I had too many things happening. So I decided to put it on hold, finish college, get my diplomas and then with a bit more time after college I took kickboxing up again and have not looked back since.

How often do you train/practice Martial Arts?

I train around 4 times a week and I run a “ladies only” kickboxing class.

You are obviously very fit. What would you say is your typical workout routine?

I like to train hard but also give each muscle group I train 24 hours’ rest before working them again. So......one day I'll train my back, biceps and abs. The next day I’ll do cardio with lots of running. I would ladder my running - so steady pace for two minutes then each extra minute increase the intensity a level at a time then after 6 minutes come back to the start . Then I do it again but on the last minute I would run full out.

Next day would be chest and triceps. The next day I would concentrate on legs and on one day - usually a Sunday - I like to go out and road run for a long time - maybe a half Marathon.

This obviously is all focused around my kickboxing as well because kickboxing is a big part of my training.

I do believe you should have a whole body rest once a week though.

How long do you train for per session?

I would say on average around an hour per session.

Do you stick to a daily diet?

I try to have 6 carbs, 7 proteins and 3 fats a day and the odd wine if I'm out with friends.

I love eggs. Ooh, I have a tip for poached eggs. Place cling film over a cup, push it in a bit and add a small amount of butter and salt. Crack the egg in it, wrap it up in the cling film and boil. Hee! Hee! There you go.
You're going to try that now, aren’t you?

Yes I’ll give that a go

Whats your one true Vice?

Red wine, and oooh maybe Champagne! Oh no – chocolate. Ha! Ha!

You have just run the London Marathon. What was your time?

4 hours and 4 minutes.

Was it harder than you thought it would be?

Yes, very difficult indeed! I didn't stop once because I knew if I stopped I wouldn't start again. It’s difficult because it’s pretty crowded and everybody bumps into everybody, especially if you need water and you're trying to get it from the water stations.

Did you hit your barrier or 'the wall' as they call it?

I was ok until I reached 21miles and that’s when it really hit me. I had to dig really deep and especially the last mile - that seemed to go on forever.

How long did you train for and what was your training schedule?

I did a half marathon before the event which really helped. I also stopped drinking alcohol while I was training. I changed my treadmill running for outside running and I started to increase the distance at a slower rate but increase my time on a shorter run. I progressed to 15 miles then I tried 18 miles, which was really difficult. I also ran part of the route in London as preparation.

What advice would you give people who want to train for the Marathon?

I think it’s the most amazing experience ever. I would love to do the New York Marathon.

I would advise people to train hard and get a good pace up for 10 miles. The body is not meant to be put through such vigorous activity but you do get a good return. Then just gradually increase the mileage and add on say two miles but run it a little slower. Keep doing this, and then maybe try a half marathon first.

When I ran the marathon my second 13 miles were exactly the same as my first and I think that’s the way to do it. Try and be consistent.

Quick fire questions I ask everyone!

Fave Drink?

Champagne

Fave Food?

Chocolate

Fave Holiday destination?

My dream Holiday is Thailand

Fave Clothes Designer?

Bratt & Suzy

Fave all time action hero?

Angelina Jolie as Tomb Raider

Perfect woman / man?

Brad Pitt

For more info on Stacey check out (www.staceycadman.co.uk)

Interview by Lee Latchford Evans, Ex Steps Star turned Celebrity Personal Trainer