Nick tells us what he does to keep fit and reveals where he shops for his clothes and grooming products

He’s one of Britain’s most popular presenters, but when it comes to looking after his on-screen persona, Nick Knowles takes a fairly relaxed approach…

DIY SOS keeps me in shape
My workout regime is all about core body work – press-ups, sit-ups, you know. Actually, we do shedloads of carrying, shovelling and the like on DIY SOS and that keeps me in shape. In fact, it’s quite hard work.

I used to get to the gym and do weights, but it’s a bit tricky with time constraints at the moment. Plus, I badly injured my shoulder – and various other body parts – making making Mission Africa. My shoulder – and the rest of me – is still on the mend, but I’m feeling a lot better now!

I’m a pretty good batsman
I played a lot of rugby to a decent standard when I was younger. I do like to go for a jog, kick a ball about in a five-a-side football match, hit a golf or squash ball and play cricket when I can. I discovered I’m a pretty good batsman and I’ve even faced the Indian team’s fast bowlers – as in the national team! It’s an intimidating thing to do, trust me. The ball comes at you so quickly that you literally have seconds to react!

I’m ready for breakfast in 10 minutes
I’m not one of those blokes who spends hours getting ready in the mornings. In fact, I’m showered and ready for breakfast in 10 minutes or so. A bit of deodorant and a new pair of underpants and that’s about it.

I use dry matt wax
I do blow-dry my hair as there’s quite a lot of it. And if I’m going out I’ll stick some dry matt wax on it from the Richard Ward Salon in London, to break it up. Richard also cuts my hair and a few other TV and media folk besides. If I can’t get to his studio, I’ll just get anyone to have a go, which upsets Richard as he thinks I give his work a bad name!

It’s best to be yourself
I feel that there are enough pretty boys on TV – I think it’s best to just be yourself and let your personality speak for itself without getting loads of make-up plastered on. If I have any appeal to the fairer sex, perhaps, it’s because I’m just me on the box and I really don’t care how I look. By the way, my favourite aftershave is Armani Code – but I use it sparingly!

I go on an annual two-month diet
My diet is all about loads of fruit, vegetables, chicken and fish. I eat a vast amount, but I eat healthily, by and large. Every year, I go on a two-month diet and focus exclusively on not eating wheat and eating these life-giving foodstuffs.

I find, that way, I can justify a few excesses throughout the other months. I take fish oil supplements to keep things ticking over nicely. If you’re interested in what I like to eat and some of my favourite recipes.