He’s half the man he used to be – Stevenage super slimmer Gary Tayler enjoyed a spell in the spotlight after shedding more than 10 stones.

Gary, 36, was one of the finalists of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2014 contest where he met Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster.

Gary, who went from 25st 12lbs to 15st 9lbs with help from a Slimming World group, said: “I was quite worried about telling people I was going to Slimming World but when my friends and family saw how much weight I was losing – and how much food I was eating – they were really impressed.

“Everyone at the group was very friendly and made a big effort to make me feel welcome.

“I used to feel like I was living life on the sidelines and now I feel happier, healthier and I can do more with my friends and family.”

Kylie Osborn, who runs the Stevenage group Gary attends, said: “I hope he inspires lots of other men who’d like to lose weight to go for it.”