Gary Barlow has been passing all his diet tips to X Factor star Craig Colton and the singer has been shedding the pounds.

Looking svelte at yesterday’s X Factor press conference, the previously chubby Liverpudlian confessed that he lost a stone in just one week, after the Take That star recommended a high protein, low carb diet to his final four contestants.

Gary recently admitted that he had topped the scales at seventeen stone and wore XXL tracksuits when he was at his heaviest but now, right years later, weighs in at a healthy 12 stone because of a healthier approach to food.

Craig – who previously worked in a biscuit factory – revealed that Barlow had given him some time with his personal nutritionist and told reporters:

“It’s strict, but I’m full of energy. I lost a stone in a week and more than a stone since being at the judge’s house stage in Los Angeles.”

Marcus Collins gave more details on the diet, revealing that the boys now eat smoothies for breakfast and plenty of fruit, vegetables and slow-release energy snacks like oats and almonds.

However, one or two contestants are worried that Craig is being too strict with himself and shedding weight more quickly than is good for him.

Sophie Habibis, who told The Sun: “Craig’s been really working hard. I think he needs to take it easier.”

Barlow would need to be a little careful in how he approaches this one, as the last thing the show needs is another scandal. Can you imagine the headlines? ‘My Extreme Diet Hell!’

That wouldn’t go down well with show boss Simon Cowell at all!