IT was certainly not a case of ‘no likey, no lighty’ when a Mid-Cheshire slimmer met comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness at a recent awards evening.

Gill Rhouma, who manages Slimming World groups in Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich, was delighted to meet the TV funnyman when he co-hosted the Slimming World Awards alongside the organisation’s chair and founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

Bolton-born Paddy shot to fame in Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights alongside school friend Peter Kay before becoming a popular stand-up comedian and TV presenter on shows including ITV1’s Take Me Out.

“I have to admit the most I knew about Slimming World before the awards was a gag in Peter’s routine that refers to Slimming World as being a £1 cheaper than its competitors!” said Paddy.

“Jokes aside, I was genuinely amazed to hear about what a difference people like Gill who run and manage Slimming World groups make to people’s lives.

“At the ceremony I met lots of people who’d lost incredible amounts of weight and it had totally changed their lives.

“Every single one of them told me that they couldn’t have done it without the support of their Slimming World group.

“Before I started working in comedy I was a fitness instructor so I know how important it is to look after yourself, but equally I know it’s not always easy to motivate yourself. So, having the right help and support to keep you on track really is invaluable.”

Gill was delighted to meet Paddy and said the awards were important for celebrating all the members who have lost weight throughout the year, improved their health, achieved targets and taken up new hobbies.

“As well as seeing stonking success on the scales, we’ve had a lot of fun throughout the year too,” she said.

“We’ve held parties in group, raised money for charity and members have cheered each other on with every step of their weight loss journey.

“I can’t wait to see what 2014 holds for Slimming World and I’d love anyone who’s thinking about losing weight this January to join us.

“I truly believe that Slimming World is the best way for people to take control of their weight this New Year.

“Even if they’ve struggled to stick to slimming plans in the past, I know we can help them to make a change for life this time around – our members are proof of that.

“Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan isn’t a ‘diet’, by making small easy changes to the way they shop, cook and eat and getting support to overcome the challenges they face along the way, they see a big difference on the scales, a big difference to the way they feel, and a big smile on their face!”