He put on a load of weight four years ago when he gave up smoking and wanted to gain a few pounds for a new theatre role. But Michael Ball showed off a new slimmer figure today as he spoke about his recent stage role and his new DVD. The singer, 49, appeared on Lorraine Kelly's morning show to talk about Heroes: Live, the DVD of his last tour which coincided with his last album of the same name.

Slimmer: Michael Ball showed off his recent weight loss as he appeared on Lorraine Kelly's show this morning

And he looked trim and in great health as he spoke to the presenter about the release of the live disc. It was certainly in contrast to the man who was much bigger earlier last year as he began the UK tour run of Hairspray. Ball had bulked up to play the role of Edna Turnblad in the show but when it came to an end this year, he has clearly been doing all he can to shift the pounds again.

Bigger: Ball, seen here with partner Cathy McGowan, looked rather hefty earlier last year as he piled on weight for his role in Hairspray

He still sported his goatee beard that he grew for his role as Sweeney Todd, which ended on Saturday night. Ball played the demon barber of Fleet Street at the Chichester Festival Theatre alongside Imelda Staunton. And he announced that the show would soon be moving into the West End next year and said some people had left the show while it was in West Sussex because they didn't recognise him.

Is that really him? Ball in Sweeney Tood at the Chichester Festival Theatre last month which saw audience members leave after failing to recognise the singer

He said: 'That used to happen in Hairspray - but I was in a frock! And you know what, there's no better compliment for an actor.'

He also spoke about his new DVD and the tour and said: 'I think it was the most fun we've ever had.'