My Kate escape

BIG BRO STAR REVEALS HOW SHE BEAT YEARS OF VARICOSE VEIN PAIN

- by JAMES MOORE

BIG Brother winner Kate Lawler says she loves nothing more than having a boogie at a Christmas bash.

She reveals: “My whole family gets dressed up and we go to my sister's. We start with Christmas dinner, open presents, have dessert, then it’s a full-on party in the kitchen to our favourite dance anthems.

“My parents love a rave and we usually dance until we get blisters as the heels stay on. We're committed to the glam for that one special day!”

But for years Kate covered up her legs because of varicose veins.

The 45-year-old, who won the hit show in 2002, says: “I was so paranoid about the appearance. When it came to holidays I wouldn’t want to wear shorts, and at Christmas parties, I'd always wear black tights or trousers to cover my legs. They looked terrible.

“I wouldn't wear skirts or shorts, and once the pain started I knew I needed to do something.”

It's reckoned up to 40% of adults will have the condition, which are twisted, swollen veins under the skin.