Johnson's strictly foxtrot to fitness bid

Health Secretary Alan Johnson has been inspired by Strictly Come Dancing as he attempts to persuade the public to lose weight.

Mr Johnson says he intends to create a "dance working group", including the Strictly judges, to expand the availability of dance classes to adults.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, he said that modern life was "killing us" and that he wanted to get Britain moving.

"The point about dance is you don't have to be a professional," he said.

"You don't have to be brilliant on your feet but it gets you moving and that is what all of us need."

Mr Johnson said he was gripped by the spectacle of former television journalist John Sergeant, who was dubbed "The Dancing Pig" for his efforts on the show, not because of his endearingly inept style but by the fact he lost two stone during his 10 weeks on the programme.

"Modern life is killing us," he told the newspaper.

"We evolved as human beings to find food scarce and to expend a lot of energy. Now we live in a society where energy-rich food is abundant and labour-saving technology is ubiquitous."

Speaking on BBC1's Andrew Marr Show, Sergeant said: "The point he's making is I did lose two stone as I worked so hard and I did my best and I've still kept that two stone off."