Television presenter Paddy McGuinness has left fans and friends in awe after revealing a dramatic physical transformation, but not everyone was convinced it was real. His fellow Bolton-born star and close friend, Vernon Kay, admitted he initially accused McGuinness of digitally altering his astonishing before-and-after photos.
The Incredible 75 Hard Transformation
Paddy McGuinness, 52, shared his results over the weekend after completing the rigorous 75-day fitness challenge known as 75 Hard. He posted two shirtless pictures to Instagram. The first image showed a notably rounded stomach, while the second, taken after two and a half months of intense effort, displayed a remarkably sculpted set of abs.
McGuinness attributed the change to radically altering his diet and committing to a strict gym regimen. He confessed the 'before' picture was the result of nearly two months of indulging in beer, cakes, and biscuits, which he said had a staggering effect on both his body and his mind.
Vernon Kay's Playful Accusation
Speaking on Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2 show on Monday, Vernon Kay, 51, revealed his sceptical reaction. Aware his friend was on a fitness journey, Kay was still shocked by the visual evidence.
"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'," Kay recounted. He explained that he thought the initial photo might have been exaggerated to make the transformation seem even more impressive.
According to Kay, McGuinness responded by insisting the beer belly was entirely genuine, a product of "sitting on the sofa and eating garbage." The comedian apparently told Kay that many others had voiced similar doubts about the authenticity of the images.
Celebrity Reactions and The Challenge Explained
Despite Vernon Kay's mockery, McGuinness's Instagram post was flooded with supportive messages from famous friends. Singer Olly Murs called it "Unreal mate," while TV presenter Scarlette Douglas wrote, "Paddy, you look bloody brilliant!" Westlife's Brian McFadden expressed amazement at the 75-day timeframe, exclaiming, "Holy f**k."
Radio host Andy Goldstein joined in the light-hearted suspicion, joking, "AI is getting out of hand now!" Meanwhile, comedian Tom Davis said the post had inspired him to start his own fitness journey.
The 75 Hard challenge, created by American podcaster Andy Frisella in 2019, is designed to forge mental toughness and physical change. Its five non-negotiable daily rules are:
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Complete two separate 45-minute workouts.
- Drink eight pints (4.5 litres) of water.
- Read 10 pages of non-fiction.
- No alcohol or cheat meals.
Paddy McGuinness said he "thoroughly enjoyed" the demanding programme and is now looking for his next challenge, encouraging others with willpower to "give something a whirl." He promised to share a full time-lapse video of his 75-day journey.
