I’VE BEEN FED UP OF MY FAT FOR 15 YEARS!
Now Corden teams up with Weight Watchers for big 2021 health kick
ONE of his major television breaks came as a struggling slimming club member in ITV’s Fat Friends.
But 20 years on and now a global star, James Corden is back where it all began, having become an ambassador for WW, formerly Weight Watchers.
The actor and writer made his name in roles which played on his weight, including larger-than-life Smithy in his television creation Gavin And Stacey.
But in an emotional video announcing his multi-year partnership with WW, Corden yesterday said he was ‘sick and tired’ of trying and failing to diet after repeated New Year resolutions.
The father-of-three, who is based in Los Angeles where he presents the Late Late Show, said the impact of the coronavirus pandemic had forced him to take a renewed look at his health.
‘I want to be better for my children’
After moving to America in 2015, Corden reportedly lost around five stone by cutting out sugar and bread and hiring a personal trainer.
At the time, he said he also restricted himself to eating only at meal times, adding: ‘I didn’t realise before that it wasn’t OK to constantly graze all day.’
Corden said he contacted WW, which will place him on a plan focusing on ‘wellness and health’ rather than strict dieting. He added: ‘Every year for the past decade, probably even 15 years, on January 1 I’ve told myself and anyone that will listen that, “This is it, this is the year I’m going on a diet, I’m going to lose a load of weight, I’m fed up with the way I look, I’m fed up with being unhealthy and this is it, this is the year I’m doing it”.
‘Because of that, over Christmas I’ve eaten everything in the fridge, because in my head in January I’m starting this diet and it will be a success, and, as you can see, it hasn’t. I want to be better for my children and for my family. I don’t want to wake up tired, or feel embarrassed when I’m chasing my son on the soccer field and out of breath after three minutes.
‘The weight is not the issue, it’s the wellness of it I am ready to tackle. If 2020 taught us anything it was that taking care of yourself has to be a priority.’
Corden will document his time as a WW member, with the company also offering 100,000 digital memberships to those who have suffered financial hardship in the past 12 months.
The actor has often poked fun at his own weight, including mimicking David Beckham’s topless Armani underwear photoshoot.
But he has also stood up for those who are overweight. In 2019 he used his talk show to hit out at American comic and television host Bill Maher after he suggested ‘ fat- shaming’ should ‘make a comeback’. He said: ‘Fat-shaming is just bullying. And bullying only makes the problem worse.’
WW has an enviable roll call of celebrity ambassadors and partners. In 2018 Robbie Williams became the face of WW in what was estimated to be a six-figure deal. He joined Oprah Winfrey, who is also a major shareholder in the company, and American actress Kate Hudson.
Last night WW said it could not disclose how much Corden, who earns an estimated £3.5million-ayear from the Late Late Show, would receive for his role. However, WW International has deep pockets, with revenues of around £1billion a year.