Jason Manford showcased his impressive three stone weight loss on ITV's Lorraine, attributing his transformation to padel tennis. The comedian appeared on the show alongside musical theatre star Marisha Wallace to promote their upcoming comedy musical Something Rotten!.
Speaking about his weight loss journey, Manford 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 also credited personal training and a nutritionist for helping him achieve his goals.
However, Manford emphasised the importance of his support network. 'But fundamentally, irrespective of being able to throw some money at it, actually, that WhatsApp group with me brother and a couple of mates, and just every so often posting a picture of, like, one of them has just done a run... we're all in the same boat, we're just trying, you need somebody else to just try and be there for you,' he added.
The comedian has struggled with his weight throughout his life, recalling how he would get out of breath playing with his children and struggle to fit into clothes. He previously used his size as material for his comedy, after being heckled at age 17 with the nickname 'the fat Michael Owen'. '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 explained.
