Matt Lucas has responded to fan's shock over his 'dramatic' weight loss.
On Thursday (17 June), the Little Britain star appeared on The One Show to discuss his family's unexpected connection to Anne Frank, which was first discovered on BBC programme Who Do You Think You Are.
However, fans were more enthralled with the comedian's dramatic change in appearance and flooded to social media to express their surprise.
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Addressing the comments from fans which were widespread online after his appearance, Lucas said: "I lost some weight, I needed to take the edge off, because I put on a lot of weight in lockdown. I've still got a bit of a tum.
"The one thing I need to do is get fitter, I have put on a little bit of weight, that’s my next challenge to do a bit more exercise.
"I might have to make a game of it when I go out an exercise to stay out of people's way. I don’t have a garden so I have to find a way to do that."
Fans comments rained in on Twitter, with many saying they couldn't 'get over' just how different the star looked.
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"#mattlucas looks like he’s lost some weight. Looking good.#TheOneShow" another said.
A third wrote: "@RealMattLucas applauds to your weight loss. Watching you on #TheOneShow Looking fine!"
However, one user noted how despite Lucas' transformation being a positive personal step for the actor, that the focus on it online simply drew away from the importance of the conversation Lucas was having about his family's history.
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They said: "Matt Lucas @mattLucas #mattlucaswhodoyouthinkyouare exceptional episode on his family history quite incredible. Shame all some, including ignorant press, do is comment on his weight loss!
"This poinient history of a jewish family's horror & survival needs retelling. A '1man show'?"
On the episode, Lucas reflected on an ancestor he lost in the Holocaust.
He said: "It’s just a lottery..he was just the wrong religion for a certain group of bad people [...] it’s not a lottery he chose to play."
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One viewer stressed that 'everyone should watch' the episode and that it was 'chilling'.
Another noted how much the episode exposed 'how quickly things change and how it effects the lives of generations to come'.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article and would like to speak with someone in confidence, call the BEAT Eating Disorders helpline on 0808 801 0677. Helplines are open 365 days a year from 9am–8pm during the week, and 4pm–8pm on weekends and bank holidays. Alternatively, you can try the one-to-one webchat
Topics: TV and Film, UK News, Health, Mental Health
Poppy Bilderbeck