Leona 'told to shape up'

24 April 2008

Chart sensation Leona Lewis has hired a personal trainer as she attempts to promote a "sexier" image and build on her recent success in the US.

The former X Factor winner, who has topped the charts in 28 countries with her hit Bleeding Love, has been urged to tone up if her initial popularity is not to be swiftly forgotten.

A source told The Sun: "Leona has done brilliantly in the US. But some of her team think she needs to be a bit sexier if she wants to have the longevity of female artists like Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson or Madonna. Her looks needs to be more polished."

In response Leona, 23, is reported to have recruited Mariah Carey's personal trainer Patricia Gay for "intensive" training workouts in the Caribbean.

The pop star's debut album Spirit went straight in at the top of the American album charts last week, with 204,841 copies sold. This made Leona the first British artist in history to reach number one at the first attempt.