Vernon Kay has revealed that he confronted his pal Paddy McGuinness over his dramatic weight-loss transformation, accusing him of faking the incredible 'glow up' snaps.

Paddy, 52, stunned fans at the weekend as he revealed his astonishingly ripped new physique in before-and-after photos, after taking on the 75-day fitness challenge, 75 Hard.

The TV presenter shared two shirtless pictures to Instagram to display the results of his efforts, with the first showing his rounded belly, which had turned into a set of sculpted abs in the second after changing his diet and hitting the gym.

But fellow Bolton star Vernon, 51, admitted on Monday to having his doubts over his friend's efforts after seeing the jaw-dropping photos.

Speaking about Paddy's ripped physique on Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2 programme, the broadcaster confessed he'd even accused Paddy of digitally altering the snaps to make the transformation appear more dramatic.

Explaining how he'd been aware that the comedian had been undertaking a fitness overhaul, Vernon said: 'He told me he was doing his training régime for a period of time.'

But upon seeing the photo evidence, he added: 'I left him a voice note that said, "Patrick, come on… that before picture — that's a fake belly. That's not real, that's AI".'

He recounted that Paddy had explained that many other people had made the same assumption, but insisted that his beer belly was 'genuine' and was the result of 'sitting on the sofa and eating garbage.'

Despite Vernon's playful mockery, Paddy's other famous friends flooded his transformation post with a slew of impressed and congratulatory comments.

Singer Olly Murs praised: 'Unreal mate' while TV presenter Scarlette Douglas wrote: 'Paddy, you look bloody brilliant!' and Big Brother star Kate Lawler echoed: 'Well done Paddy! I bet you feel amazing now as well❤️'.

Westlife star Brian McFadden didn't disguise his amazement at the quick turn-around, writing: '75 days????????????? Holy f**k.' while Countryfile's Matt Baker added: 'That's Brilliant!'

Drag Race star Michelle Visage was quick to assure: 'Both fit', while comedian and actor Tom Davis admitted the post had motivated him to start his own fitness journey, writing: 'Inspired by this pal… Need a kickstart. ❤️

However, like Vernon, radio presenter Andy Goldstein couldn't resist poking fun at his pal by suggesting Paddy had digitally altered the snaps, joking: 'AI is getting out of hand now!'

Opening up on how he achieved the impressive results, Paddy admitted that he couldn't believe 'how much he let himself go' after over indulging on beer and sugary snacks.

He confessed that his poor diet had been negatively impacting both his physical and mental health and that while the 75 Hard challenge was tough and demanding, he'd 'thoroughly enjoyed' taking it on.

He wrote: 'I still can’t believe how much I’d let myself go. That before pic is the result of just under two months of binge eating — beer, cakes, and biscuits!

'The effect it had on my body, and more importantly my mind, was staggering.'

'I’ll post the full 75-day picture time-lapse on Monday,' he continued. 'It really is amazing what can be achieved in such a short period of time… if you’ve got the willpower.

'I thoroughly enjoyed taking on the Hard 75 challenge, and now I’m on the lookout for the next one!

'Challenges like Hard 75 aren’t for everyone, but if you’ve got even an ounce of willpower, why not give something a whirl?' 

The viral fitness challenge involves hitting the gym twice a day and drinking large quantities of water in order to optimise fitness levels in just two and a half months. 

Created by US-based author and podcaster Andy Frisella in 2019, the strict plan is said to trigger 'physical and mental transformations' via its five key elements.

Most crucial are two 45-minute workouts per day, which can be 'whatever you need to do based on your fitness level', according to Frisella's website.

Participants must also drink eight pints (4.5litres) of water daily, quit alcohol, eat a generally healthy diet and dedicate at least ten minutes per day to reading non-fiction, to benefit mental fitness.