They have been transformed from couch potatoes to fitness fanatics in just eight weeks.

Now we can reveal that our Fit Idol 2008 winner is driving instructor Pete Stanley, a 28-year-old father-of-two.

“I am absolutely ecstatic,” said Pete, dedicating his win to his wife Jane, who was runner-up in the first ever Fit Idol.

“Jane missed out on the title by just two points. I said to her from the start that I would win it for her. She has supported me and encouraged me throughout the competition.”

Pete, of Ashburn Gardens, Herne Bay, added: “Now I’m hooked on running and am definitely going to make the most of my year’s gym membership.”

As well as a year’s membership, worth £420, of Active Life’s sports centres at Kingsmead, Whitstable Swimming Pool and The Pier, Herne Bay, Pete has won six months’ personal training and a meal and a night for two at the Hotel Continental, Whitstable, worth £135.

For full story, and to see where the other seven contestants came, see this week’s Kentish Gazette, out on Thursday.