Mark Benton
Mark Benton has lost two stone thanks to his 'Strictly Come Dancing' strict routines.
The 47-year-old actor has seen so much weight drop off since he started rehearsing for the BBC ballroom competition that the wardrobe department on the show are having trouble coping with his shrinking waistband.
He told The Sun newspaper: "I've lost three or four stone this year, at least two since I started 'Strictly'. It's wonderful. We must have done the cha-cha to 'U Can't Touch This' at least 20 times in a row. I'd say to anybody, if you want to get fit, go and dance.
"They have to keep an eye on the costume. My gold top from week four had to be taken in because it was too big."
Mark - who is partnered with Iveta Lukosiute - now feels so confident with his body he even suggested ripping his shirt open during a recent dance routine.
He said: "At the end of the salsa I wanted to rip my top open to reveal a string vest but they wouldn't let me. I think they didn't want the dance to end on that note, though I was only doing it for comedy."
While the actor is loving his time on the show, he initially considered quitting because the gruelling rehearsals were taking their toll on him physically.
He said: "When this first started it was too tough. I was like, 'I can't do this, it's too hard. I'm physically shattered and I can't remember the moves - I'm not enjoying it.'
"With different dances, different things hurt. I've had physio for my knees, acupuncture on a knee, physio on my shoulders, deep tissue work..."
However, the 'Waterloo Road' star soon saw the benefits and is determined to get his wife Sarah on the dancefloor when he leaves the show.
Mark added: "Sarah's incredibly supportive and is thrilled I'm losing weight. When this is over I'm going to drag her on to the floor too."
Tagged in Strictly Come Dancing