'Pop Idol' winner loses 5-and-a-half stone

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus has shed almost 80lbs after signing up for a new intensive exercise regime.

The singer, victor of the ITV reality series in 2003, joined health guru Dr Gillian McKeith's strict plan four months ago. Her progress, which has seen her drop from a size 22-24, is being charted for a special edition of Channel 4's You Are What You Eat, to be screened in June.

"When I first heard I thought, 'how am I going to do this?'" Dr Gillian told heat. "But I've been working with her... and the difference is already unbelievable. People are going to be in for a big shock.

"Michelle's diet was probably the worse I have ever seen and she drank a lot of alcohol. I've put her on a very strict eating plan and she has to exercise every single day."

She added: "It's going to be the most fantastic show we've done, because Michelle really gives me a run for my money. She has a good tongue on her, that's for sure."