IT definitely was not a case of “no likey, no lighty” when a Slimming World consultant from Darcy Lever met comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness at an annual awards ceremony.

Julie Reynolds, who runs Slimming World groups at Premier 5 Powerleague Club in Bolton and Ainsworth Unitarian Church, was delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to Paddy when he co-hosted the Slimming World Awards in Birmingham.

She said the meeting was the cherry on the top of a great year for the Darcy Lever (Bolton) Slimming World group.

Ms Reynolds said: “Obviously the most important thing of all is that the group have lost weight and improved their health throughout 2013.

“I’m so proud of all of my members.

“Many of them have achieved their target weights and been able do things they never thought possible before slimming down, including doing more with their families, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or simply fitting in smaller-sized clothes.

“And they’re helping their entire family to eat more healthily too. But as well as seeing stonking success on the scales, we’ve had a lot of fun throughout the year too. We’ve held parties in group, raised money for charity and members have cheered each other on with every step of their journey to losing weight.”

Bolton-born Paddy, who 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, said he thoroughly enjoyed the annual awards.

He added: “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 £1 cheaper than its competitors. Jokes aside, I was genuinely amazed to hear about what a difference consultants like Julie make to people’s lives.

“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 help and support of someone like Julie to keep you on track and be there with advice when you need it really is invaluable.”