Forget about gym bunnies – popular Holby City actress and St Albans resident Rosie Marcel has become a gym mummy since giving birth earlier this year.

Because of a rare blood disorder Rosie had a Caesarean birth, welcoming daughter Beau to the world on January 21.

And the actress, who plays cardiothoracic consultant Jac Naylor on the hit BBC One medical drama, has ample support from husband Ben Stacey in her bid to return to full fitness before reappearing on our screens.

Ben happens to be the owner of Crossfit St Albans in London Road.

The proud mum decided to visit the gym to begin rebuilding her strength in preparation for her return to the TV show for an episode in July. She will return full-time in August.

Fitness guru Ben opened Crossfit in the city centre last year, “because it is my passion. Crossfit is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, but in the UK it is still fairly unknown.

“This is the only crossfit facility of its kind within a 20-mile radius, so we have people from Watford, Barnet and further afield coming here.”

Put simply, workouts feature high intensity movements, with the emphasis on variety.

Apart from the likes of Rosie, sessions also appeal to sports people with the gym attracting weightlifters, rugby players, firefighters and boxers – particularly those undergoing rehabilitation following injury.

Ben explained: “We focus very much on mobility and good movement by getting back to basics.”

Rosie told the Herts Advertiser: “I’m training with an amazing woman there called Emma Clarkson, who knows everything about post-natal fitness and being a mother herself, has made it her mission to be up on all things post-pregnancy.

“Every woman who has had a baby doesn’t feel like themselves after the birth, and I was the same. I started with light exercise and have gradually increased it.”

Rosie joked: “I’m a very physical person and, being an actor, can be a bit vain! But the aim is to get back in shape. It’s been hard work, but it’s very rewarding.”

Emma praised Rosie’s efforts: “She is pushing herself so hard, and is very inspiring.”

The gym is starting a women’s only class at the end of April. For more information see www.crossfitstalbans.org