DETERMINED. That’s one way to describe anchor and managing editor of E! News, Giuliana Rancic (nee DePandi). Although she had suffered spinal disorder scoliosis at 13, this didn’t dampen her spirits of becoming a TV host.

“I endured a lot of pain having scoliosis. I went through high school in a body cast and this caused me to lack self confidence. During senior year in college, I underwent surgery in which two rods were inserted beside my spine. I was hospitalised for three weeks and was under bed rest for three months.”

“Although living with scoliosis was tough, it made me stronger and pushed me towards attaining my dreams. I believe your flaws help mould your personality and determination,” said Giuliana in an interview in Hong Kong recently.

Born in Naples, Italy, Giuliana moved with her family to Washington when she was six years old. Upon arriving there, she only spoke Italian and couldn’t speak English. Because her parents couldn’t afford a tutor, she quickly learned the language by watching educational TV series Sesame Street and news programmes.

“It was interesting that although my elder brother and sister went to school, I managed to learn the language quicker from being exposed to TV. I believe there’s something really special about TV and that’s why I love it so much,” said Giuliana.

Giuliana, the youngest of three siblings, watched news programmes like 20/20, the Today Show and 60 Minutes and dreamed of following in the footsteps of TV personalities Barbara Walters, Ann Curry and Diane Sawyer.

“I watched news programmes hosted by women and found them very interesting. I used to envision myself as a TV reporter, practising in front of the bathroom mirror. I would line the door with a thick towel so my parents wouldn’t be able to hear me goofing around,” she revealed, laughing. “Over time, I developed confidence and this inspired me to pursue a TV career.”

After graduating from Walt Whitman High School in Maryland, Giuliana went on to study journalism in University of Maryland. She later earned a master’s degree in journalism from the American University in Washington.

While pursuing her degree, she served as a features correspondent for the syndicated university television station, covering stories related to the Pentagon, Supreme Court, White House and State Department.

“At first, I wanted to do political news but realised I wasn’t too serious. Then my university professor suggested I do entertainment stories in Hollywood,” explained Giuliana, who joined E! News as a correspondent in 2002 and was later promoted to E! News managing editor.

Giuliana currently co-hosts E! News with Ryan Seacrest (of American Idol fame).

The multi-talented lady has also produced several TV shows and acted as an entertainment reporter in the 2007 action-sci-fi movie Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer?

The same year, Giuliana released her debut book Think Like A Guy: How To Get A Guy By Thinking Like One. The hilarious and practical book on what turns guys on and off was compiled by her.

“My friends would often come to me for dating advise. I used to give them tips on how to impress guys and what to do and not. This inspired me to write a book about it.”

Interestingly, Giuliana admitted having used a few tactics from her book to woo her husband when they first met in 2006. Giuliana famously married The Apprentice (Season One) winner, real estate developer and motivational speaker Bill Rancic.

Currently, Giuliana resides in Los Angeles while Bill lives in Chicago. Their long-distance relationship is featured in the new reality TV show, Giuliana And Bill, which premieres on E! (Astro Channel 712) today.

In person, Giuliana looks very much like she does on TV – tall (she’s 5’8”), pencil thin and well tanned. And if you want to look that good, you’d have to follow her very strict exercise routine and healthy meal programme. And by that we mean, a VERY strict diet.

According to giulianadepandi.com, her diet includes drinking water (with lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper), lots of green or oolong tea and vegetable juice (think: brocolli, beets, kale, ginger and cucumber). She loves organic grapefruit, egg white omelettes with veggies, brown rice sushi, rotisserie chicken breast (skinless) and steamed vegetables (without oil).

While having such a disciplined meal plan may seem overwhelming, Giuliana explained that staying in shape is part and parcel of her job.

“It’s a lot of hard work to stay in shape. Part of my job is getting into the clothes and looking good on TV. I’ve been given a nice opportunity so I don’t want to blow it. It’s hard to stay disciplined but I do occasionally give in to cravings like pies and ice cream,” said the true-blue Italian who enjoys her mother’s pasta dishes.

Giuliana’s dad, Eduardo DePandi, incidentally owns men’s clothing store Bruno Cipriani in Maryland, so you can see where the fashion passion comes from.

Giuliana’s day begins at 4.30am at which time she hits the gym (four to five times a week). After working out, she heads to the office for her 6.30am morning meeting. As an anchor, her job includes attending meetings, co-hosting red carpet events for award shows and covering event launches. Her days drag on till about 9pm when she heads home to unwind. One can only wonder how Giuliana looks so fresh on TV despite her 15-hour work schedule.

“It’s really hard work and it can get really hectic. I’ve got to keep working hard because there’s always someone out there who wants my job.”

Giuliana’s advice for girls aspiring to be news reporters is simple – work really hard.

“I do a lot of public speaking especially to girls who aspire to be reporters. I believe it is important to get a job in the business no matter how small the position. Start from the bottom of the ladder if it’s possible. If you are hard working, people will notice and you will be rewarded.”

> Giuliana Rancic hosts E! News on E! (Astro Channel 712) weekdays at 7pm.