Jason Manford showcased his remarkable three-stone weight loss during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine this week. The 45-year-old comedian joined host Lorraine Kelly to discuss his latest stage project, the comedy musical Something Rotten!, which he will perform across the UK alongside musical theatre star Marisha Wallace.
Something Rotten! Details
Jason, who portrays playwright Nick Bottom in the Elizabethan-era show, teased what fans can expect. He told Lorraine: "Nobody goes out for a good think, you come out and have a laugh. I love musical theatre and I love comedy as well, and it's really hard to find funny musicals - this is hilarious!" Marisha, 40, plays his wife in the production.
The comedian appeared casual in a t-shirt and jeans, visibly slimmer as he and Marisha discussed the "silly" and "fun" stage show.
Weight Loss Journey
Earlier this year, Jason revealed he shed three stone over 18 months after taking up padel tennis, which he called his "obsession." He said: "I've been on it with padel. I've lost probably about three stone, I think, in around 18 months. I got into it, and then I got a bit obsessed with it, and we've got a little fitness group, me and a load of dads."
He added to The Sun that his doctor warned him he would need knee replacements if he didn't lose weight, as his knees were "sore all the time." Jason credited personal training, a nutritionist, and a supportive WhatsApp group with his brother and friends for his success.
When fans noticed his weight loss last year, they praised him, with comments like "You look loads younger?!" and "Looking very trim!" Some even asked if he used weight loss jabs like Ozempic, but Jason attributed his transformation to diet and exercise.
Mental and Physical Struggles
Speaking about his relationship with weight, Jason told the Mirror: "I think I've thought about my weight every day of my adult life." He said small things like ill-fitting clothes or getting out of breath playing with his children prompted lifestyle changes. He tried various diets but found success by eating less and moving more.
Support came from family and the Jason Manford Weight Loss Support Group on Facebook, which he set up in 2017. He admitted: "I get a bit of a buzz out of it." Jason previously used his weight for comedic effect, even adopting the nickname "the fat Michael Owen" after being heckled at 17. He said: "I started to write jokes about being overweight – you can take the power away from the bully or the heckler – they were my defence." He once feared that slimmer comedians weren't as funny, but now embraces his healthier lifestyle.
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1 and ITVX.
