A COUPLE are seeing a lot less of each other – after losing nearly eight stone between them to make the finals of a national slimming competition.

Darren and Kelly Ellis were one of just 30 couples from across the UK to reach the finals of Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2017

The couple, of Westland Avenue, Farnworth, were voted the Farnworth Slimming World group’s ‘couple of the year’ by their fellow members.

They flew the flag for Greater Manchester at the national finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.

Darren, aged 32, who lost more than four stone, said he was delighted.

He said: “It can take quite a lot to admit to yourself that you have a weight problem, let alone admitting it to your nearest and dearest.

“Imagine my relief when I finally spoke out and Kelly said that she was unhappy with her weight too and thought we should do something about it.”

And the business manager, whose starting weight was 16st 10lb, added: “Having the support of Kelly was a really important part of my journey and I feel very lucky to have had her by my side.”

The couple, who have four children, used to eat a lot of junk and convenience food. But switching to a Slimming World diet which focuses on cooking fresh ingredients in a healthy way, but doesn’t cut out treats like chocolate all together, was their recipe for success.

Kelly lost 3st 10lbs from her starting weight of13st 10.5lb and said there was more to weight loss than ‘just eating less’. She added: “There is so much more to it than that. Having the right support in place is essential and I was lucky enough to not only have the support of my partner but the fabulous members of our Slimming World group, too.” And despite losing out on the ultimate prize to a couple from Chepstow, in south Wales, she said there had been plenty of rewards for their efforts.

She said: “Losing weight together has definitely strengthened our relationship – we’re happier, healthier and fitter now and we’ve been on that journey together, which makes it even more special.”