The World's Best Diet, Tuesday, ITV1

Posted by Liberty Jones

                                    

With nearly one in four Brits now clinically obese, it's blinkin' obvious the nation's fondness for junk food is having a dangerous effect on our waistlines. By contrast, people in some other countries stay slimmer and live longer, healthier lifestyles. So what's their secret? In this two-part series, presenter Jonathan Maitland rounded up four "fat friends" (his words, not ours) in an attempt to find out.

Gathered at a last supper of their favourite foods, each of the four celebs – Darren Gough, Cheryl Baker, Linda Robson and Carole Malone – were handed an envelope revealing a mystery destination, where they would immerse themselves in the local cultural attitude towards healthy living and learn to cook their food. First to take the plunge were Darren and Cheryl.

Former cricketer Darren didn't even look overweight, but amazingly, his vital statistics put him in the obese category. "I like drink… I like my food… it's the snacking for me," he admitted. "And when I have a lump of cheese, it's a proper lump, not just a thin slice." Sadly, his pilgrimage to Abruzzo in Italy made for less than riveting viewing. The sight of the Strictly Come Dancing champ gurning over a cup of espresso (only 6 calories compared to the whopping 223 calories in the creamy latte favoured by us Brits!) and making a dog's dinner of his homemade pasta had us reaching for the remote control.

Cheryl's journey to Kerala, in southern India, was marginally more entertaining – but only just. "I've always been the big girl in Bucks Fizz," she admitted. "There was this advert years ago: 'Can you pinch an inch?' Well, I can pinch loads."

Back in the UK, Cheryl's default setting, curry-wise, is chicken tikka masala, but food in Kerala is served very differently. Nutritionist Dr Smitha introduced her to a traditional vegetable soup, made from lentils and garlic. As Cheryl tucked in, Dr Smitha revealed that, as well as tasting delicious, the soup has the added bonus of relieving flatulence. "You've obviously heard of my condition," said the blushing singer. Erm, thanks for oversharing, Chezza.  

Next time, Birds of a Feather actress Linda regurgitates food in Tokyo, and newspaper columnist Carole feels the burn in LA. You know what? We're pretty sure we're washing our hair that night.

Picture: ITV

SEE ALSO:
Latest Big Brother news >>
More must-see documentaries >>