A super slimmer from Great Barr has scored big after reaching the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland's top male slimmers, where he met ex-international football star Wayne Bridge.

Stephen Lacken, 26, was one of just 38 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World's Man of the Year 2017 competition after losing an impressive 6st 9.5lbs. It was there that he was congratulated by the former Chelsea, Manchester City and England hero.

Stephen, who slimmed from 19st 3lbs to 12st 7.5lbs at the Streetly Slimming World group, believes it can be hard for men to admit that they need help to lose weight, and that it is especially difficult for them to walk through the doors of a slimming club for the first time.

Stephen said: "It took quite a lot for me to admit that I had a weight problem to begin with, so actually deciding to do something about it and join my local Slimming World group was another big step.

"Thankfully I came to the conclusion that my health and happiness was the most important thing and plucked up the courage to go along that first time. My only regret now is that I didn't join Slimming World sooner."

Stephen added: "I was a bit concerned I'd have to survive on a bit of salad! I couldn't have been more wrong though, I eat just as much as before now, if not more.

"The beauty of Slimming World is that I can fill up on all of my favourite foods and lose weight without ever having to go hungry.

"Steak and chips, cooked breakfasts and curries are all still on the menu, I've just had to make some simple swaps like ditching the olive oil or butter in favour of low-calorie cooking spray and trimming the fat off of meat.

"I did worry that I'd be the only bloke in the room, I wasn't though. And, even if I ever was, it wouldn't matter because everyone is there for the same reason and it's such a supportive and friendly environment.

"I was a bit hesitant to tell people I was going to a slimming group at first, but once they noticed I was losing weight, the results spoke for themselves and I didn't get any of the comments I expected.

"I have no problem singing Slimming World's praises now! It's enabled me to play football again, to a much higher level than I was before. I've also taken up golf and squash.

"Losing weight has also made me feel much better about myself – it hasn't just helped me physically, but mentally too.

"I feel as though my mental health has improved massively, I used to have panic attacks in social situations, yet now I have the self-confidence to happily chat to people, which is something that never would have happened before.

"Getting to meet Wayne was great too, I never knew losing weight would have this many perks!"

Wayne, who has now hung up his football boots and appeared on I'm a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here! , was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition.

He said: "As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy – both mentally and physically.

"It was a pleasure to meet Stephen and I can't believe his transformation, he doesn't look like the same bloke!

"I really have to take my hat off to him for recognising that he had a problem and then having the courage to do something about it.

"I think many people would be guilty of thinking that going to a slimming club isn't very manly so that makes it even harder for men to take that first step. He's definitely a top bloke in my book."

Tracy Flanagan, who runs the Streetly group that Stephen attends, says she is very proud of her super slimmer.

She said: "A lot of men think that slimming clubs are female-only zones, and Stephen is living proof that this isn't the case.

"In fact, there are now 60,000 men attending Slimming World groups, which goes to show that men need just as much support as women to slim down and improve their health.

"Slimming World works for everyone, so I hope Stephen inspires lots of other men who'd like to lose weight to take that step and join our group at Veseyan Sports Social Club or call me on 07843097326."

Unfortunately, Stephen was not the overall winner of the competition.