Former River City star Tom Urie recalls the story of his astonishing 19 stone weight loss

OUR New Year resolutions would be a lot easier with a little of Tom Urie’s resolve.

The popular actor and musician, who starred as Big Bob O’Hara on BBC soap River City, has lost an incredible 19 stone and found a new lease of life.

Here, he tells MARION SCOTT of his astonishing journey back to health and his hopes for 2018.

THE tears shed during Big Bob’s final episode three years ago were real because the storyline was closer to my own life than anyone could ever have imagined.

I was at the stage where I had to do something, or I was going to die.

People had been telling me I wouldn’t see 50. I couldn’t breathe without having two inhalers. I was so heavy I couldn’t stand and sing.

It was what I’d been telling myself for years. But depression overwhelmed me, making it impossible for me to see a way out.

My family and friends were so frantic with worry. I’d stopped caring about myself. But I had to do something for their sake if not my own.

I came round from gastric surgery to be told Gene Wilder had died. Willy Wonka, the patron saint of chocolate was gone. In my anaesthetic haze, it seemed the world was telling me something I needed to listen to.

I no longer eat chocolate, but every day now is a gift, and I’m rediscovering all the things my weight stopped me enjoying.

I’ve sung Nessun Dorma at Proms in the Park, appeared in Trainspotting 2, and am currently a panto dame, in Sleeping Beauty in Dundee.

I haven’t laughed so much in years and the audiences at the Gardyne Theatre have been fabulous. I’m absolutely loving it!

Next, I’m doing a programme for Radio Five examining why society still finds it acceptable to be cruel about weight.

People wouldn’t make nasty comments about race or religion, but they will say unbelievably cruel things about anyone who is overweight.

The comedy tuba sounds that always accompany a fat person on television encourage people to laugh when being overweight is no laughing matter.

Now I’ve lost 19 stone, I wish River City writers would bring Bob back so people can see how things can change when someone has the right help and support.

Bob returning would show people how change is possible.

It’s never been done by a soap before because they’d need an actor to do what I’ve just done, so it’s a great opportunity. I’d also love to go back and see all my old chums.

Now, instead of going to bed wondering if I’ll make it to morning, I can’t wait to tick off another challenge from my bucket list of things I’d always wanted to do.

A couple of months ago I cycled around Millport. I’m planning to walk the West Highland Way in March in aid of the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund to build a respite centre for children.

When I was feeling anxious and low, the only way I could go out was by telling myself I was playing a role.

Inside, I was screaming.

Big Bob was such a recognisable character, there really was no hiding place. People would come over to chat and acting was the only way I could bluff my way through it.

But the public were tremendous, with me all the way.

They understood surgery wasn’t an easy fix. It was a huge commitment, and in the last couple of years I’ve had lots of ups and downs which I’ve shared on Facebook.

There’s lots I can’t eat or drink, bread, fizzy drinks, all the things I used as comfort food.

But now I actually have a life instead, I’m like a child again.