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Fit Club contestants snub Anne

SHUNNED: Anne Diamond

Her rivals on the show refused to let her take part in the team weigh-in following the revelation she underwent stomach surgery to help her lose pounds.

Diamond is now considering whether or not to carry on - and has branded the programme "Celebrity Spite Club".

The drama will be screened in tonight's episode of the ITV1 show.

A spokesperson for Diamond said: "Anne joined Fit Club to participate in a mutually supportive programme where everyone receives the support of the celebrities and producers alike.

Spirit

"Unfortunately, the actions by certain contestants have now turned this into Celebrity Spite Club which is not, she feels, the spirit of the show she joined.

"In light of the actions of certain contestants she is now reviewing whether she can return to the programme."

Tonight's episode is the first since Diamond, 51, dropped a bombshell by revealing she had a secret gastric band operation last September.

The procedure aids weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can enter the stomach.

Some of Diamond's fellow contestants were unhappy, with Malone accusing her of cheating.

In tonight's show, the producers asked the rest of the group if Diamond should be included in the team weigh-in. Malone's team - former footballer Mickey Quinn, TV pundit Sharon Marshall and darts star Bobby George - said no.

An ITV1 spokeswoman said: "The producers felt it was only right to allow the other celebrities to decide whether Anne's weight loss should be included in the team weigh-in as it is their competition, and they are the ones affected.

"The celebrities on the rival team felt that her weight loss should not be included in the overall weigh-in and as a result Anne was asked not to take her place on the scales."

Walden

Fit Club trainer Harvey Walden backed Diamond.

"Harvey asked the celebrities to reconsider. He told them that, in his opinion, she needed the help and support of everyone at Fit Club," the spokeswoman said.

"The programme makers are awaiting the outcome of that decision. None of the celebrities have called for Anne to leave the show."

Despite the operation, Diamond has lost just one pound in the last three weeks.

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