Blair Underwood 'lost 20lbs on cleanse diet'

Blair Underwood has revealed that he recently lost 20lbs by following the master cleanse diet.

The actor - who stars in new drama The Event - shed the pounds by following a regimen of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for weeks on end.

During an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly, he discussed his need for the cleanse after feeling too heavy to be on television.

"There's five months between the pilot and the second episode," he explained.

"I saw the pilot and was like, 'Oh brother, you better lose some weight!'"

He added: "I basically starved myself for two weeks."