Paddy McGuinness says fans thought ‘before’ photo was AI after body transformation

At 52, Paddy McGuinness has unveiled a striking new physique after completing the gruelling 75 Hard challenge, landing him on the cover of Men’s Health UK.

The comedian, actor, and TV presenter said appearing on the magazine’s cover felt surreal, particularly given the famous faces who have fronted it over the years.

‘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.’

Before committing to the challenge, The Phoenix Nights star admits he deliberately indulged in fast food and beer.

‘I thought I’m going to have a real blowout, hit rock bottom. I don’t recommend it. Just for me personally, I thought, “I’ll see if I can get myself out of it.”’

The 75 Hard programme requires strict discipline, including daily workouts, a structured diet, and reading every night.

Its six rules include two 45-minute workouts per day (one outside), drinking a gallon of water, and reading 10 pages of a self-help or educational book.

McGuinness said the biggest impact wasn’t just physical.

‘I think one of the biggest things is the clarity you feel – you’re reading books every night, you’re in a routine, your diet’s good.’

When he shared before-and-after photos of his transformation online, the reaction surprised him.

‘A few people went, “Clearly you’ve AI’d the first picture.” “F**king hell, you’re supposed to AI the after picture, not the before!” I thought, “Jesus, that’s how bad I looked!”’

After completing the challenge, McGuinness celebrated with a curry and a milkshake, but said the experience wasn’t what he expected.

‘I ate it, but I didn’t get from it what I thought I was going to get. I just felt like sh*t. It actually changed something in my brain, habit-wise.’

In a previous Instagram post about the challenge, he wrote: ‘I still can’t believe how much I’d let myself go,’ the Take Me Out star wrote in the caption.

‘That before pic is the result of just under two months of binge eating — beer, cakes, and biscuits!’

He continued: ‘The effect it had on my body, and more importantly my mind, was staggering.’

Alongside the physical changes, McGuinness also reflected on the importance of being open about mental health and the dangers of bottling up emotions.

‘Knowing a few people who’ve done that, it makes me really think about my emotions more, because I wouldn’t want to end up in that space where everyone thinks you’re alright and you’re not and then it’s too late.’

The full interview with Paddy McGuinness appears in the April issue of Men’s Health UK, on sale from 17 March.

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