Paddy McGuinness shares exact secret to insane transformation aged 52

Phoenix Nights and Take Me Out favourite Paddy McGuinness is in peak condition these days, despite fast approaching his 53rd birthday.

Known for his thick Northern accent and collaborations with comedian Peter Kay, he's a bit of a British cult hero, so much so that the BBC recruited him as part of its Top Gear reboot a number of years ago.

Now though, he's pumping some serious iron and earned himself a Cover Star place in Men's Health magazine.

In the accompanying interview, McGuinness revealed the exact secret to his enviable transformation, which all started with a Children in Need challenge at the backend of 2024.

He raised £10 million for charity by riding a chopper bicycle from Wales to Scotland - 300 miles approximately, taking five days - and appeared to develop a 'Stockholm syndrome'-esque taste for extreme fitness.

Fatefully, the TV star was then introduced to the 75 Hard Challenge via YouTube.

Paddy McGuinness appeared opposite Peter Kay in both Phoenix Nights and Max & Paddy's Road to Nowhere (Channel 4)

Created by Andy Frisella, the 75 Hard does exactly what it says on the tin - tests its disciples across 75 days of rigid mental toughness workouts.

Those that take part unconditionally must stick to a meal plan with no alcohol or cheat days within the titular time period.

Two workouts per day, lasting 45 minutes minimum (one of those completed in the outdoors); drink 3.8 litres of water every day, read 10 pages of an educational book each day, and take a progress picture every day.

But the key to looking like McGuinness, almost stone-carved and God-like? Lifting light.

His upper-body daily workout to get in tip-top shape is as follows:

1. Incline cable fly (low to high) x 3 sets of 12-15 reps
2. Straight-arm cable pulldown x 3 sets of 12-15 reps
3. Standing mid-cable chest fly x 3 sets of 12-15 reps
4. Lateral raise x 3 sets of 12-15 reps
5. Tricep cable pushdown x 4 sets of 12-15 reps
6. Barbell 21s x 2-3 sets of 21 reps
7. Cable external rotation x 2-3 sets of 12-reps each side

Paddy McGuinness has opened up about his insane fitness routine (Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Filled with pride for the opportunity, McGuinness told the publication: "You look at Men's Health over the years, and the people who've been on the front of it, and you go, 'My God, they look like they've been carved out of stone.'

"Just on a personal note, being 52 and a regular bloke, it's nice to show other blokes it's attainable."

For those readers who might need a little motivation to get in healthier shape, this guy proves that it's never too late to change your bad habits.