While discussing the remarkable transformation Paddy McGuinness has been showcasing this weekend, on Scott Mills's BBC Radio 2 programme on Monday, newsreaders Tina Daheley and Ellie Brennan admitted they were stunned by his physical change.
Fellow Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay revealed that whilst many had been astonished by the former comedian's six-pack, Paddy had confided in him about his fitness journey. "He told me he was doing his training régime for a period of time," Vernon explained, though he confessed to having some reservations when he first saw the photographs.
"I left him a voice note that said, 'Patrick, come on... that before picture - that's a fake belly. That's not real, that's AI,'" Vernon recalled. Paddy acknowledged to Vernon that numerous people had questioned whether he'd used AI to create a false beer belly.
However, according to Paddy, he had genuinely been unfit after "sitting on the sofa and eating garbage."
He'd undertaken a fitness regime based on US author and podcaster Andy Frisella's popular self-help book 75 Hard: A Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself, reports the Mirror.
Outlining the programme's requirements, Vernon continued: "You can do any activity for 45 minutes - that includes a walk, or a brisk shuffle up and down the stairs - and then you go to the gym for 45 minutes and do something."
A dubious Scott interjected that one of the tasks must be performed outdoors, asking: "If I wanted to do knitting outside, is that an activity?" Vernon proposed that "feeding the birds outside in the park" could also suffice, particularly if you "chased [the birds] like a child."
He emphasised that, in addition to the various tasks, there was a dietary regimen. While no specific meal plan is provided, participants are expected to abstain from alcohol entirely and consume a gallon of water daily.
Other stipulations include reading at least 10 pages of a non-fiction book each day and taking a daily progress snapshot. Failure to adhere to any of these rules results in a return to day one.
Paddy, aged 52, claims he completed the challenge and "thoroughly enjoyed" the experience, but acknowledged that programmes like 75 Hard "aren't for everyone."
In an Instagram post commemorating his achievement, Paddy confessed: "I still can't believe how much I'd let myself go. That before pic is the result of just under two months of binge eating - beer, cakes and biscuits! The effect it had on my body, and more importantly my mind, was staggering."
He added: "I'll post the full 75-day picture 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. I thoroughly enjoyed taking on the 75 Hard challenge, and now I'm on the lookout for the next one!".
A host of celebrity friends commented on Paddy's remarkable transformation. Among those applauding his new appearance was fellow presenter Matt Baker.
The Countryfile host posted: "That's brilliant!" He accompanied this with four clapping hands emojis.
Scarlette Douglas shared similar praise, writing: "Paddy, you look bloody brilliant!" Former Love Island star Chris Hughes also commended his achievements. However, radio presenter Andy Goldstein joked it wasn't genuine, commenting: "AI is getting out of hand now!".