A super Stevenage slimmer has reached the final of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s most successful male slimmers.

Chris Miller, 45, won a place in the final of Slimming World’s 2024 Man of the Year competition after losing a life-changing 5st 8lbs. 

Chris was nominated for the accolade by his fellow Stevenage group members, and was joined by 38 other inspirational male slimmers at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire, where he met former England midfielder and pundit Lee Sharpe.

Chris, who slimmed from 18st 9lbs to 13st 1lbs, said: "I’d been unhappy with my weight for a while, yet I just didn’t face up to it. Deep down I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want or really know how to ask for help.

"I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive about joining a Slimming World group, but I soon started to recommend it to all my mates who wanted to lose weight too.

Chris said he had been unhappy with his weight gain.Chris said he had been unhappy with his weight gain. (Image: Courtesy of Slimming World)

"If you told me a few years ago that I would be representing my local Slimming World group at the national finals of the Man of the Year competition, I wouldn’t have believed you – I still can’t really believe it!" 

Lee, who during his career played for Manchester United and Leeds United and won three Premier League titles and a total of eight caps for England, said he was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition.

He said: "As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy – both mentally and physically.

"It was a pleasure to meet Chris. I can’t believe his transformation. He doesn’t look like the same bloke!

"I think a lot of men find it difficult to admit they have a problem with something and then seek the help they need to fix it – and not just when it comes to weight. It’s not an easy thing to do, so Chris has my utmost respect."

Chris met with former footballer Lee Sharpe at the final of the competition. Chris met with former footballer Lee Sharpe at the final of the competition. (Image: Courtesy of Slimming World)

Sarah Lawrence, who runs the Stevenage Slimming World group, said she is incredibly proud of Chris.

She said: "His determination and motivation has never faded. He’s a real inspiration to all of the other members.

"Men often think Slimming World isn’t a man’s world, but research shows that men lose more weight than women when they join, as well as dramatically improving their physical and mental health.

"I’d love to welcome new members to our group at Fairlands Primary School in Stevenage every Saturday at 8.30am and 10am, or feel free to call me on 07986947330 for more information."