Jimi Mistry has lost over 14 pounds ahead of his debut appearance on 'Coronation Street'.
The 'East Is East' star was offered the role of ex-soldier turned personal trainer Khalid, earlier this year and he admits he devised a new diet and exercise regime so he would "look the part" on screen.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said: "I wasn't 'fat' fat but I have certainly trimmed up. I have been doing a lot of work with my trainer because I didn't want to let myself down. You have to look the part and I was conscious of that as an actor. I've always liked the gym and I put myself through the paces.
"There is a lot of high intensity circuit training and it is amazing to get rid of the extra pounds. I have also been careful. I cut out the enjoyable things during the week, the floury carbs. "
The 40-year-old actor- who has already started filming for his part in the ITV soap - has settled into the role well and thanked co-star Jimmi Harkishin, who plays Dev Alahan, for putting him at ease as he stepped on the Weatherfield cobbles for the first time.
He said: "It was so surreal nothing prepares you for walking into the green room at 'Coronation Street' and seeing all the well-loved TV characters making tea and eating biscuits around you.
"It doesn't matter what you have done before - you are quite nervous. But everyone has been really nice. Me and Jimmi work well together. He made me feel so comfortable."
Although Jimi is set to make his debut appearance on the soap in the coming weeks, he is remaining tight-lipped on his storyline.
He said "It's really good fun being in Corrie. Khalid is a funny, cheeky chap. He is cool. I'd like to think of him as charming and inspiring but there is another side to him - this is what you are going to find out."
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