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From scrawny to brawny in just six weeks

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Six British broadcasters have competed in Men’s Health magazine’s annual Celebrity Six-Pack Challenge.

Sky Sports’ Alex Payne was one of them.

The most unlikely of men have been transformed into cover model stars thanks to the fitness initiative and the 31-year-old is no exception.

Alex Payne admitted that at first it was a struggle bulking up his “lean frame” but he soon managed to schedule in daily workout sessions.

“I wouldn’t have done this if it weren’t for the element of competition. I genuinely thought I was going to die after the first gym session but I don’t think I really hated any of it.

“I got some very strange looks from the boys in the commentary teams when I started tucking into a protein shake at half time,” he told Men’s Health.

Six British broadcasters have competed in Men’s Health magazine's annual Celebrity Six-Pack Challenge

Six British broadcasters have competed in Men’s Health magazine's annual Celebrity Six-Pack Challenge

Lifting weights, drinking protein shakes, running and abdominal crunches were some methods each of the male contestants, all aged over 30, used to get in shape.

And each says that colleagues, friends and family have been shocked by their new toned physiques.

Goals on Sunday host Ben Shephard, 37, said: “The banter from the other guys has been pretty intense.

“My wife went away for a few days and was shocked when she got back.”

Meanwhile the oldest contestant, former pro-footballer and exuberant Sky pundit Chris Kamara, 54, added: “The last time I had a six-pack was 30 years ago and it’s been 20 since I lifted a weight.

“So I thought I was too old and that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the young lads.

However, his transformation proved getting a six-pack isn’t just a young man’s game.

“To lose 6 kg and gain muscle like I did in a few weeks shows it’s possible.”

Soccer AM’s Max Rushden, Radio 5 Live’s Mark Chapman and Football Focus and Match of the Day’s Danny Walker also took part.

Previous winners of the Men’s Health Celebrity Six-Pack challenge include Andi Peters and Reggie Yates.

Men’s Health Editor Toby Wiseman said: “Six weeks might not seem long to get into great shape but each one of this year’s Men’s Health Celebrity Six-Pack challengers has achieved incredible physical results.”