Pointless host Alexander Armstrong confessed he lost two stone as he ‘couldn’t bear’ watching himself on TV.
The 51-year-old was concerned with how he looked on television screens during the earlier days of the quiz show.
He turned to a healthier lifestyle by ditching sugar - including fruit - and began fasting.
To further help him achieve his goal body weight, the comedian also skips breakfast.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Alexander said: “When I started doing Pointless way back in 2009 I was a good two stone heavier, I just couldn't bear looking at myself.
“It looked like I'd eaten all the pies on telly. So I decided I must do something about that and I changed my diet massively.”
Alexander also explained that he follows the 5:2 diet which has him eating whatever he wants for five days of the week followed by two days of only consuming 500 calories.
“The best thing by far was fasting. I've been doing the 5:2 since 2012, it's a great way of getting your health in order,” he added.
“You're used to hearing about these amazing miracle diets and everyone does it and after about three years everyone goes 'oh my god you mustn't do that it's really bad for you', but with fasting the data gets better and better.”
Many people believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but Alexander believes ‘that’s balls’.
“I try not to eat for as long as possible in the morning, maybe have a black tea or something,” he said.
Alexander is best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller alongside partner Ben Miller.
He also presents The Imitation Game, and had stints on Have I Got News For You, Prize Island and Your Face Sounds Familiar.
