Exact routine Paddy McGuinness followed during incredible weight loss

Paddy McGuinness has revealed the exact fitness routine he followed for his incredible body transformation.

The Bolton-born comedian might have played a security guard in Phoenix Nights but it's only recently that the 52-year-old has attained the sort of physique you might see from some of the best bouncers in the business.

McGuinness first showed off his body transformation on Instagram last year, leaving his fans shocked and probably all the ladies with their lights still on, but the former Take Me Out host has now taken things a step further by appearing on the cover of Men's Health.

Speaking to the publication, he said: "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."

Considering the comedian even purposely gained a lot of weight before his fitness challenge, he's certainly shown that it is possible, provided you have the discipline to go through the next two-and-a-half months without a sweet treat.

You may well have heard of the 75 Hard challenge given its surge in popularity online in recent times, and completing that on the first go was the key to McGuinness' success.

It asks participants to follow strict exercise and diet rules across 75 days with the aim of improving both your physical and mental health.

Even after finishing, the comedian admitted that he still wakes up at 6am for a 40-minute walk on his treadmill, while eating healthy foods such as chicken pesto pasta, eggs and steak has also helped him feel the best he ever has.

The challenge didn't just see him get a six-pack and some magnificent muscles however, as it also saw him move on from the bad-tempered behaviours that had previously plagued him.

Of course, every person's body is unique and has different needs but there's no doubt that exercising every day, drinking lots of water and reading books is good for us, and that's exactly what McGuinness put himself through.

The rules of the 75 Hard challenge

There's thankfully just five, rather than 75, main rules that you'll need to stick to if you want to complete this gruelling physical challenge, which is going to require a huge amount of work and willpower.

You're not allowed cheat days or treats and you have to keep it going for two-and-a-half months, which might get you ready just in time for summer.

The rules are:

1) Stick to a meal plan with no alcohol or cheat meals for 75 days

2) Two workouts a day lasting at least 45 minutes, one of them outside

3) A gallon (3.8 litres) of water a day

4) Read 10 pages of a non-fiction educational book each day

5) Take a picture of your progress every day

The idea is that your healthier diet and the significantly increased levels of exercise you're getting will have a major impact on your body, while taking some time to read something that will develop your skills and improve some part of your life will sharpen your mind.

You've seen what it did to Paddy McGuinness, maybe it could be your plan too.

But if you don't quite feel up to the harsh challenges, then fear not, because there is an easier alternative that you can try without having to stave off the Easter eggs.