Comedian Peter Kay is one of Britain's most popular stars, but when he came back to the spotlight for his "Better Late Than Never" tour, fans were in awe by his significantly slimmer look.
After years away from the public eye, Kay, now 52, has lost a great deal of weight, a transformation he recently opened up about, sharing his long struggle to get healthier.
Reports suggest that Peter Kay lost around 30 kilograms, or about 66 pounds, by making major changes to his lifestyle.
While he has always kept his personal life private, some reports indicate that he was motivated by health concerns, possibly adopting a diet friendly to managing Type 2 diabetes.
In a candid interview with Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2, Kay confirms that his weight loss was a conscious effort for his health.
He joked that he had been "trying to lose weight for the first 48 years of my life," but finally had to start taking his health seriously as he got older.
The comedian admitted that he tried "everything" to shed pounds over the years, including joining various weight-loss groups like Slimming World and WeightWatchers.
He shared a moment that made him recognize his binge-eating problem, recalling a time he was at the cinema with his wife.
Peter Kay lied that he was going to the toilet but really went to buy a hotdog.
He looked at his reflection, felt ashamed, and threw the food in the bin, only to immediately grab it back out and finish eating it before it hit the bottom.
This story, delivered with his trademark humor, highlighted the real challenges he faced with willpower.
His massive weight loss has changed his appearance, which led to a lot of public chatter and speculation about his well-being.
However, the changes appear to be the result of a deliberate and successful shift toward a healthier lifestyle, allowing him to return to the stage for his sold-out tour dates across the UK.