Slimming World boss meets Peter Andre

Nikki Chilton, who manages Slimming World groups in Bridgnorth, got the chance to meet Andre when he presented the business' annual awards.

The Mysterious Girl singer co-hosted the event with the organisation’s founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE.

She said she "couldn’t be prouder" of the members in the her Bridgnorth group.

"Throughout this year they have lost fantastic amounts of weight, with many of them hitting their target weights, improving their health and boosting their confidence," Nikki said.

“It’s so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they didn’t think were possible before losing weight, whether that’s having more energy, feeling happier, wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or doing more with their family and friends.

"Every week I feel extremely lucky to play even a small part in people’s achievements and I felt very honoured to represent Bridgnorth at the Slimming World Awards.

“Cuddling up to Peter was a real treat. He was bowled over by the difference Slimming World makes to people’s lives and it reminded me what an important and privileged role I have. Now I’m heading into 2018 super motivated to support even more people in Bridgnorth to be inspired to lose weight and lead healthier and happier lives.”

Nikki said his presence at the awards was extra special because earlier in 2017 he supported Slimming World’s most successful fundraising event ever – The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw, which raised a record-breaking £3.3 million in just two weeks.

The annual clothes throw encourages Slimming World’s 900,000 group members to donate the clothes, shoes, bags and accessories that are now too big for them to Cancer Research UK, by filling up specially-branded bags and taking them along to their weekly group sessions.

Andre, who set up his own foundation with Cancer Research UK – the Peter Andre Fund – after losing his brother to cancer, said he was thrilled to meet Nikki at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

He added: “It was an honour to be invited to present the Slimming World Awards. I met so many incredible people who had lost amazing amounts of weight and transformed themselves – inside and out.

"There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that Slimming World and people like Nikki who run and manage the groups are very special.”