Paddy McGuinness has shared a look at the dramatic physical transformation he achieved after taking part in a social media fitness challenge.
The Phoenix Nights star, 52, described how much he’d ‘let himself go’ after two months of bingeing on beer and pastries.
After being taken aback by the toll his diet had taken on his body and mind, the actor and comedian embarked on the ‘Hard 75’ challenge in an attempt to get back on track.
Popularised on TikTok, this fitness challenge involves cutting out all alcohol and unhealthy food for 75 days, while doing multiple workouts per day.
Its six rules include two 45-minute workouts per day (one outside), drinking a gallon of water, and reading 10 pages of a self-help or educational book.
Coming out on the other end, Paddy has shared the results of the challenge in a dramatic before-and-after picture.
Posting two pictures of himself to his Instagram grid, Paddy shared a glimpse at his shocking transformation.
‘I still can’t believe how much I’d let myself go,’ the Take Me Out star wrote in the caption.
‘That before pic is the result of just under two months of binge eating — beer, cakes, and biscuits!’
He continued: ‘The effect it had on my body, and more importantly my mind, was staggering.’
Paddy went on to promise that he’d post a full 75-day time-lapse on Monday.
‘It really is amazing what can be achieved in such a short period of time… if you’ve got the willpower,’ he said.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed taking on the Hard 75 challenge, and now I’m on the lookout for the next one!’
‘Challenges like Hard 75 aren’t for everyone, but if you’ve got even an ounce of willpower, why not give something a whirl?
He finished by joking: ‘PS the tan helps 😎😄’
What are the six rules of 75 Hard?
Here are the six rules that those participating in 75 Hard must abide by:
- Follow a nutrition plan of your choice
- No cheat meals and no alcohol
- Two 45-minute workouts a day (one outside)
- Drink one gallon of water a day
- Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book a day
- Take a daily progress picture a day
Any contravention of the above means that the challenger must start all over again from scratch, at day one.
As the host of the Channel 4 show Tempting Fortune, Paddy would know all about resisting temptation.
For two series, he followed groups of everyday people as they trekked across gruelling jungles in the hope of winning £300,000.
Standing in their way was a series of ‘temptations’ – including budget-busting cheesy chips and an evening in an all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant.
Last month, Paddy announced his decision to step down from the show ahead of its third series.
In a statement, he told Metro: ‘I am happy to be passing the baton on, and the new host is in for a real treat because it’s a great show.
‘I will be sad to leave it, but with other commitments and enjoying more family time, I’ve had to make some difficult choices ahead of next year.’
Addressing Paddy’s exit from the show, a spokesperson for Channel 4 said: ‘Paddy has been a brilliant host of Tempting Fortune, bringing his trademark humour to both series.
‘We’re grateful for everything he’s brought to the show, and we totally understand that the filming commitment overseas is a big one and he is unable join us for the next series.’
‘A new series begins filming in Asia early next year and applications are now open to people who want to take part.’
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