Kara Tointon's tough love

Kara Tointon finds it "tough" not talking to boyfriend Artem Chingvintsev.

The former 'EastEnders' actress - who started dating the Russian hunk last year when they won 'Strictly Come Dancing' together - admitted taking part in the gruelling 100-kilometre BT Red Nose Desert Trek in Kenya last week put a strain on the couple's relationship.

She said: "I think I found the heat the most difficult part of the trek, and for me not talking to my family or Artem was really, really tough - but I'm so pleased I achieved it. I'm so proud of myself."

However, the 27-year-old star explained donning comfortable trekking gear was a welcome break from the sparkles and sequins she was used to on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Kara added to Hello! magazine: "I feel like a new woman! I've been wearing glitter and sequins for the past seven months and I was nervous of being stripped of my little luxuries.

"I conquered it and I'm really chuffed. I'll go home and think about material things and whether I need as much as I've got. And roughing it has been quite funny!"