I'm a gym convert, says slimmed-down Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry has slimmed down with a diet and tough fitness regime despite the fact he is still recovering from a bad break to his arm.

The writer and comedian has kept fans updated on his battle with the bulge on his Twitter webpage, and said that after years of mocking gym-goers, he has become a convert.

Fry, almost as well known for his imposing frame as his sparkling wit, cuts a slim figure in an interview about the new series of ITV1 drama Kingdom, posted on the channel's website.

Viewers watching the show will see him in his familiar larger build as it was shot last year, before he began his fitness drive.

"I knew something had to be done. I'm 6ft 5in tall, but 21st is too heavy. For the first month, I did without bread, potatoes and sugar, and the weight rolled off," he told the Daily Mail.

"Since then, I've stopped eating other types of food, such as red meat. I've continued to lose weight and feel much better for it.

"And I never thought I would say this, but I genuinely enjoy going to the gym. I spent years mocking them, but now I'm one of the converts."

The 51-year-old is a keen Twitterer, and has posted regularly about working out on the site.

Earlier this month, he wrote: "If I had something noble, inspiring or compelling to impart, believe me I would. As it is Walk-gym-meetings is all that lies ahead today."

Fry broke his arm while filming a documentary in the Amazon last year so badly it almost had to be amputated, and he has had to monitor his exercise to ensure it does not affect his recovery.

This week he wrote on Twitter: "Seeing orthopaedic dr who did my plate & screws op after I broke my arm Jan 2008. X-ray. Checking gym work isn't putting pressure on screws."

But he seemed slightly disappointed with the outcome, writing: "X-rays show that all is well. I can continue to punish myself in the gym. Damn."