ON the Bafta’s red carpet, the ‘it’ accessory for celebs this year appeared to be chiselled abs.
Stars such as newly-single , and all championed the ‘Ab-Shred’ trend, which takes a terrifying amount of time, exercise and careful dieting to achieve.
Millie Mackintosh stunned in an ab-baring two-piece ensemble at the Bafta Awards Credit: Getty
The newly-single mum-of-two showed off her toned midriff on the red carpet Credit: Getty
While “strong not skinny” was a recent wellness mantra many regulars used to live by – it seems to have been replaced by the new midriff fad.
Will Duru, personal trainer and founder of fitness app 12Reps, explained: “The Ab-Shred takes things a step further from just being slim with a flat stomach.
“Now, celebrities are showing off extremely chiselled, muscle-flashing abs; essentially, they look shredded.”
Millie, 36 – who recently after seven years of – impressed fans after revealing her tummy-baring outfit on Instagram.
Millie previously flaunts her jaw-dropping figure in a skimpy bikini Credit: Instagram
Amanda Holden also turned heads in a sequinned bra and maxi skirt Credit: PA
The BGT judge flaunted her chiselled abs as she beamed at the swanky event Credit: Getty
One gushed: “That figure and your looks is to die for,” while another added: “Loving this new you Millie.”
Thankfully, the former Made in Chelsea star hasn’t gate-kept her fitness regime.
Taking to Instagram, she previously shared: “I often get asked about my exercise routine, so I thought I’d share how I’ve found my perfect balance to keep me feeling my best both physically and mentally.
“It revolves around strength training, pilates, and getting outside in nature for a run or hike.
Frankie Bridge ensured all eyes were on her in this burgundy maxi dress with a plunging middle section Credit: Getty
Jessica Wright also revealed her abs in a cropped white top with embellishments Credit: Getty
“When I’m travelling or can’t get to a gym, I use an app to help keep me moving, usually a mix of pilates or strength exercises using my body weight.”
And she’s not the only Bafta stunner to have honed her midriff – with AJ Odudu, , , and Gaby Allen, all rocking the eye-popping look.
However, trainer Will claims the look is one that can only be attained by wealthy women who have access to top trainers, luxe gyms, healthy food and, importantly, the time to workout.
He explained: “It takes more than a few weeks of sit-ups and crunches to get abs like you see on these women and some people are just more genetically predisposed to having abs too.
Katie Piper’s gorgeous gown featured a cut out section that revealed her toned tummy Credit: Getty
“Your core is made up of different muscles; the obliques, which run down the side of your middle; the rectus abdominis, which forms the classic six-pack; and the deep transverse abdominis, which acts like a natural corset around your middle.
“When all of these are trained and built, you end up with that tight, defined middle.
“Celebrities with abs aren’t just doing quick little ab workouts though; they’re likely lifting heavy weights four to five times a week, engaging their core the whole time, and mixing up different exercises such as hanging leg raises and planks.”
, who showed off her ‘Ab-Shred’ stomach at the event, follows a strict vegetarian diet.
Jorgie Porter’s sheer gown revealed her slim waistline Credit: Splash
Meanwhile, her gruelling fitness routine includes running three to four miles a week, doing Viking workouts and yoga sessions.
And The Saturdays star Frankie Bridge claims to workout every morning before the school run in her
Will adds: “You can build abs in the gym, but if you actually want people to see them, you need to get rid of the fat that lies on top and this is where people struggle.
“It can take months, depending on your current body fat level, to be lean enough to show off your abs.
AJ Odudu donned an eye-catching dress with a stomach-flashing front section Credit: Getty
There isn’t one ‘ideal’ body fat percentage for women but for many, such low levels of body fat can lead to problems.
The calorie deficit – eating fewer calories than you burn – often required to drop this fat can also be dangerous.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson comments: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that cutting calories drastically will reveal your abs faster.
“In reality, when women drop below their energy needs for too long, the body can respond by slowing down their metabolism, making them more tired and eventually holding on to fat rather than burning it.
Una Healy opted for a long-sleeve gown that had side cut outs Credit: Splash
“You can end up losing muscle, including the actual core muscles you’re trying to show off while feeling exhausted. It’s the exact opposite of what people are aiming for!”
He adds: “Eat too little and/or lose too much fat and you can massively impact your hormones too.
“This can lead to irregular periods or even missing periods which can then go on to impact other things such as fertility.”
And there is an extra warning if you are using weight loss injections.
“Women using GLP-1 need to be extra careful with any training plan that aims to burn fat and work towards visible abs,” says Will.
“Weight loss jabs cause rapid weight loss, much of which is muscle mass, including the core muscles that support the spine.
“When muscle mass is reduced, intense ab training can lead to a higher risk of injury as weak core muscles are more prone to strain. Plus, there’s more chance of back pain as there’s less muscle around the spine.
“The goal during and after jabs is to maintain and build muscle all over rather than going after a specific aesthetic.”
In 2025, the popularity of soared.
Now, nearly 2.5 million Brits are using jabs such as and Mounjaro and celebrities who were once ‘curvier’ are now returning to the red carpet looking thinner than ever.
“Celebrity culture continues to shape what many people think is ‘normal’ or ‘healthy’, which usually means being extremely lean, having visible muscle or having perfectly proportioned bodies,” Tskenya-Sarah Frazer, a broadcaster, author and body positivity enthusiast.
“But, the bodies we often see online and on TV, especially those shown by celebrities, are not a reflection of real life, and it is important that we remind ourselves of this.
“Plus having abs does not automatically mean someone is healthy, balanced or happy and chasing these ideals can do more harm than good.
“What truly matters is respecting the body you have, nourishing it, recognising its strength and being neutral about how it looks.”
As the body ideal for women becomes more extreme, it’s important to remember that those in the public eye are under different pressures – and have access to infinitely more resources than us normal folk.
“Remember, many celebrities achieve their figures with the help of personal trainers, structured meal plans, sometimes cooked by private chefs, and help with children or other jobs, allowing them to devote more time to working on their figure,” says Rob.
Although a shredded core might be on your 2026 goals list, remember that a lot of sacrifice goes into becoming so lean and often, a celebrity’s fitness and diet plan just isn’t achievable.
You don’t need a six-pack to be healthy or happy.
What is the science behind abs being visible?
According to standard exercise physiology and human anatomy research conducted by The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), abdominal muscle visibility depends on body-fat levels, muscle development, and genetic factors.
The science behind abs involves the rectus abdominis muscle, which everyone has.
Still, its visibility depends on having low body fat (revealed through a calorie deficit, diet, cardio).
Developed muscle (built with progressive overload exercises like weighted crunches/leg raises), all influenced by genetics, creating the “six-pack” look defined by connective tissues (linea alba and tendinous intersections).
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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