Laura Crane

Laura Crane returns to BESTFIT’s pages but this time she’s joined the team, as one of the presenters on BESTFIT TV. Here, she talks swapping the beach for the city, and why she’s hoping she can kickstart a career in front of the camera.

Laura, you’ve been busy joining the BESTFIT TV team ahead of the launch of series 2 in February. Will this be your first presenting role? And are you looking forward to it?

I am! I was there last month doing some casting and screen testing and it was all good. I’m really looking forward to doing some presenting alongside the other guys Faris [Fisher] and Kelvin [Fletcher]. To be honest, presenting is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m really excited that it involves sport, health and fitness. I’m going to be doing a lot of work around nutrition, which is really important to me. People get so confused by nutrition, but I’m hoping we can simplify that and show that it’s just about finding what works for you. I’m quite excited to share the things I’ve learned about nutrition, but also to explore more about it.

When we spoke to you last time you were living by the coast in Portugal and eating fish on a daily basis. Have your eating habits changed since you’ve moved to London?

I still try and get my fix when I’m out and about eating at restaurants, but I definitely eat more meat than I used to.

You did Love Island this year; has that experience helped open up new work or life possibilities for you?

It has, for sure. It was a big thing for me to do. Prior to going on Love Island I was literally living by the beach whereas now I’m in London and it’s a really big change… but for the better. When I came out of the show I was keen to get into presenting, and hopefully BESTFIT will kickstart
the next phase of my career.

I went on to Love Island to meet somebody that I could share life’s adventures with, but that didn’t pan out so well. I made a really good friend in there, though, and in terms of other possibilities, things have been really positive since I came out. It’s all good.

You used to do a lot of modelling and surfing… are you still doing those things?

I’ve generally been busy with work since the finish of Love Island, so I’ve had less time for surfing, which is a shame. I’m planning on spending next year doing some more travelling and surfing, so I’m looking forward to getting back to that. I have some ambassadorial work lined up, which involves working for brands or showcasing certain destinations on behalf of tourist boards. Those little bits are great.

The ambassadorial work sounds like a dream gig. Is it as good in reality?

For me personally, having been lucky to enough to travel while surfing, it was something I had my heart set on as soon as I finished competing. I kind of fell into it and I’m really grateful for that.

You also have a new YouTube channel coming out…

I have and I’m really excited about it. I’m doing a lot of work exploring mental health and in particular trying to show the positive side of those who have come through it, or those who have sought help to address their issues. Loads of people struggle with different things, so we’re just trying to show some of the success stories where people have used sport to overcome their issues. I’ve experienced mental health issues and so this is important to me. I think it’s important to realise that it’s okay not to be okay all the time, but that it’s also important to talk to people.

How do you replace surfing when you live in the city?

I’m doing loads of gym classes. It’s not quite the same, but I’m enjoying the variation. I also have a PT, so I spend a bit of time with them. There are so many options in London, so I’m just trying a bit of everything. I like to mix cardio and weights. Obviously, surfing is amazing for cardio so I need to ensure I keep that ticking over, but I also love HIIT training and other weights-related stuff. I like to keep things exciting and new. It’s a completely different lifestyle living in the city, but I’m just trying to find the right life balance. I’m generally okay if I know I have a trip on the horizon that involves the beach or getting out of the city.

Nothing beats surfing, though, right?

Nothing. I miss it! When I used to come home for Christmas it would be for like two days and I’d really miss it then, so to go weeks and months without doing it is super hard. It’s been a big change not waking up next to the ocean, too, but it’s good to take on different challenges and I know it won’t be long before I’m back there. Some of the TV work I’m going to be doing will involve some travelling, so I’m looking forward to seeing some new places. I’ll no doubt take my board with me when I’m working, so I might be able to sneak some surfing in! Travelling and surfing go hand in hand.

Are you looking to return to competitive surfing action at any stage?

I can’t see it in the next year, but I’d never say never!