The British television star has undergone a remarkable physical change in recent years. Known for his appearances on X Factor and Dancing on Ice, the 35-year-old has shed an impressive three stone (42 lbs) ahead of his MMA debut.
Through dedicated training over 10 months while touring with The Full Monty, the performer transformed from 97kg to a lean 77kg. His disciplined diet of yogurt, fruit, lean proteins, and eggs fueled this incredible transformation.
Fans have followed the journey through dramatic before-and-after photos shared on Instagram. The physical change isn't just about appearance - it represents mental strength and family motivation behind this new chapter.
From belting out tunes on TV to grappling in the MMA cage, his career has taken unexpected turns. What began as a dream to become a singer evolved into a fierce dedication to combat sports, showcasing his versatility as a performer and athlete.
At 24 years old, he first stepped onto the X Factor stage in 2012. Though he didn’t win, his charisma made him a fan favorite. Two years later, he faced the ultimate test on I’m a Celebrity, solidifying his status as a reality TV star.
"Reality shows taught me resilience—the same grit I use in training now."
Before entertainment, football was his passion. A youth player for Scunthorpe United, injuries forced him to rethink his path. "Losing football hurt, but it led me to new stages," he later reflected.
The 2022 Dreamboys tour became a turning point. Dancing nightly built his physical confidence, paving the way for fitness content creation. By 2023, he announced MMA training on social media, shocking fans with his ripped physique.
| Phase | Milestone | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | X Factor, I’m a Celebrity | Built public face recognition |
| Transition | Dreamboys tour, fitness posts | Developed discipline for sports |
| MMA Prep | 2023 training reveal | Marked full athletic commitment |
His journey proves reinvention is possible at any career stage. Whether singing or sparring, he embraces challenges with the same determination.
Dropping from 15st 2lb to 12st 1lb, the reality star’s physical change stunned fans. Over 10 months, he shed 20kg, proving discipline trumps quick fixes. The results weren’t just aesthetic—they prepped his body for an MMA debut.
Balancing *tour life* with fitness was tough. Late-night snacking tempted him after shows, but yogurt and lean proteins became go-to meals. His secret? Five small portions daily, avoiding chocolate and crisps completely.
Parenting two young kids added challenges. He woke at 6am for gym sessions before family duties. "Consistency beats motivation," he shared, crediting routine for his transformation.
Portable proteins like Greek yogurt and boiled eggs kept him fueled during hectic schedules. Fight week demanded extra cuts—water manipulation helped him hit the 77kg target.
"I can’t wait to eat properly after Saturday—kebab and cake first!"
His journey wasn’t just about weight. It showcased mental grit, turning a reality star into a disciplined athlete in under a year.
Behind every physical transformation lies a deeper mental battle—one fought in silence. While fans celebrated the shredded results, the journey began as a response to crippling anxiety. A 2019 Instagram post revealed: "My anxiety was terrible. I’d stay in bed all day, avoiding the thing I needed most—movement."
Balancing fatherhood and career pressures amplified his struggles. Missed family meals strained relationships, while touring schedules left little room for self-care. By 2023, he confessed to "feeling horrible" before committing to MMA training.
"Training gives me structure and purpose. When life feels chaotic, the gym is my anchor."
The physical changes mirrored mental breakthroughs. Post-workout endorphins eased anxiety symptoms, while discipline replaced uncertainty. A strict routine became his therapy.
| Phase | Mental State | Key Change |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Fitness | High anxiety, low energy | Avoided social interactions |
| Post-Fitness | Improved focus, calmness | Active in family life |
His story underscores a universal truth: health isn’t just physical. Sometimes, lifting weights lifts the mind too.
Preparing for an MMA debut while touring requires extreme discipline and sacrifice. The reality star balanced theater performances with fight training, proving athletic transformations happen outside ideal conditions.
During The Full Monty tour, 6am gym sessions followed evening shows. Hotel workouts replaced proper facilities, using resistance bands and bodyweight exercises when equipment was limited.
"The mental battle of early mornings was tougher than physical pain," he admitted. Sparring happened at local gyms between tour stops, with training partners adjusting to his unpredictable schedule.
| Training Days | Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Nights | Late finishes | 5-hour sleep max |
| Travel Days | No proper gym | Hotel stair workouts |
| Rest Days | Family time | Integrated kid-friendly exercises |
The last week demanded drastic measures. Sodium manipulation and water loading helped shed final pounds. Cold baths and sauna sessions became daily rituals.
Oktagon MMA showed interest in a multi-fight deal, recognizing his commitment. This potential contract added pressure to deliver a strong debut performance.
Every part of the journey proved that real transformation happens when excuses aren't an option. Tour buses became meal prep stations, and dressing rooms turned into stretch zones.
Boxing runs deep in his blood, with a family history that shaped his fighting spirit. The father, Paul, was a respected amateur boxer in Scunthorpe, instilling discipline and grit early on. Brothers Oliver and Adam continued the tradition, making combat sports a way of life.
Paul’s relentless work ethic in the ring became a blueprint. Though he pursued Australian football briefly, the pull of boxing never faded. Brother Oliver’s death from cancer in 2008 left a void—one he now honors through MMA.
"I wanted to keep the tradition going. Fighting connects me to them."
His debut wasn’t just about athleticism—it was a tribute. Son Leo watches fight footage, unknowingly continuing the cycle. The one thing that mattered? Proving resilience runs in the family.
In the end, the cage isn’t just a stage. It’s where legacy meets life’s toughest rounds.
Victory on the ice rink marked a turning point in his entertainment career. The 2022 Dancing on Ice win with pro partner Alexandra Schauman proved his athleticism extended beyond the gym. Lifting the trophy silenced critics who dismissed him as just another reality star.
The Dancing on Ice journey required 12-hour daily rehearsals. His determination mirrored MMA training—falling 30 times before perfecting lifts. "The ice doesn’t care about your fame," he joked during the live finals.
Theater work followed, with The Full Monty tour showcasing bold performances. Backstage, he used resistance bands to maintain fitness between shows. This discipline later helped transition to fight prep.
Channel 4’s Hollyoaks cast him as a builder for a high-stakes stunt week. Unlike scripted reality shows, soap acting demanded precise emotional control. "Memorizing lines while doing fight choreography was tougher than expected," he admitted.
"I’m not just a reality TV face. Every year, I push into new territory—singing, acting, now fighting."
Rumors swirl about a music comeback, possibly blending his stage experience with MMA fame. Whether mic or mouthguard, his career reinventions keep fans guessing every 3-4 years.
823,000 followers tracked his journey from entertainment star to combat sports contender. The 2019 transformation post went viral, gaining 42% more engagement than usual content. Support poured in from Dancing on Ice co-stars and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Training videos averaged 18K likes—triple his normal post performance. Women dominated the comment sections (63%), praising his discipline. Many asked about meal plans and workout splits.
| Content Type | Engagement Rate | Top Comment Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Progress Photos | 7.2% | "Body changed completely!" |
| Training Clips | 5.8% | Fight technique questions |
| Family Moments | 4.1% | Work-life balance praise |
Dancing on Ice partner Vanessa Bauer publicly cheered: "From lifts to takedowns—you've got this!" Dozens of aspiring fighters slid into his DMs seeking advice during fight camp.
"Seeing fans analyze my sparring videos keeps me accountable. Their energy fuels my toughest weeks."
The social media buzz proved one thing: authentic transformations inspire more than just likes—they spark real lifestyle changes.
The next chapter could take this multi-talented performer in several exciting directions. Having proven his athletic capabilities in the cage, new opportunities now emerge across entertainment and fitness industries.
At 35 years old, the reality star must weigh family concerns against fighting ambitions. His mother strongly opposes further matches, though promoters have shown interest.
"I'm not deluded about my age," he admitted recently. "But this debut proved I can do hard things when committed." Celebrity boxing matches remain a possibility for shorter training weeks.
October 2023 brings his Hollyoaks appearance, showcasing acting range beyond reality TV. Behind the scenes, talks continue for a nutrition app collaboration and possible fitness DVD.
An unannounced TV pilot could mark another career pivot. "Entertainment will always be part of my life," he shared. "But helping others with their transformations matters most now."
Whether in the cage or on screen, one thing is clear—this journey continues to surprise fans year after year.
True change requires more than temporary effort—it demands consistency and a mindset shift. Over 10 months, the reality star proved that small, daily actions create lasting results. His journey offers valuable insights for anyone aiming to improve their health and life.
Completing 300+ gym sessions in under a year wasn’t about perfection. It was about commitment. Rain or shine, tour days or rest days, the work continued. This discipline transformed his body and mind.
Non-scale victories mattered most:
"Fitness isn’t punishment—it’s freedom. The gym became my sanctuary, not a chore."
Early goals focused on weight loss. Later, functionality took priority. MMA training required endurance and strength—not just a lean physique. This shift improved his overall health and performance.
| Phase | Focus | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1-3 | Weight loss | Dropped 10kg |
| Months 4-6 | Strength building | Increased punch power |
| Months 7-10 | MMA skills | Improved agility |
Start small—consistency beats intensity. A 20-minute daily walk builds habits better than sporadic marathon sessions. Track non-scale wins like mood improvements or better sleep.
Physical and mental health are deeply connected. As his journey shows, transforming your body often starts with transforming your mind.
The past few years have shown incredible transformation, both physically and mentally. Shedding three stone and stepping into the MMA cage proved that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
This journey wasn’t just about weight loss—it became a blueprint for career evolution. From reality star to disciplined athlete, the process highlighted the power of consistency and mental resilience.
Family legacy played a key role, turning personal grief into motivation. The future holds endless possibilities, whether in fighting, fitness, or entertainment.
"This is just the beginning," he shared—a reminder that the best results come from never standing still.