Biggest loser 2016: Meet this year's Express & Star readers stepping up their fitness challenge

All of them have their reasons for deciding to get fit, including wanting to look good for their upcoming wedding, or because it is important to their job that they set others a healthy example.

Each year the Biggest Loser competition sees who can shift the most pounds over four weeks of exercise classes with personal trainer and former Army instructor Chris Jewkes.

The competitors can take advantage of three dedicated sessions a week with Chris at his gym off Danescourt Road in Tettenhall, as well as being able to use the gym in their spare time for a month, all for free.

They also receive help and advice on their diets, ensuring that they are improving their fitness inside and out.

Garry McWilliams, 48, from Codsall, is being supported through the intense four-week weight loss programme by his fiancée Claire Broomhill, 41.

His wedding planned for later this year and the memory of his parents John and June, his sisters Dawn and Bernadette and best friend Simon Daly are driving him forward in his quest to get healthier.

He said: "In November 2015 I lost my dad and last September my mum passed away too. They always wanted me to be fitter, and I would lose weight but then I'd put it back on again.

"Now I have an absolutely stunning fiancee and we are planning to get married later this year. We have been engaged for 23 years on Valentine's Day so it was about time I made an honest woman out of her."

Garry who works at Telford car manufacturers TI Automotive, is currently 20st 4lbs.

He wants to lose two stone during the four weeks, before hopefully reaching 16st after six months.

He is pleased to be getting into shape alongside others. "They are a great bunch of people. It's nice that we can all help motivate each other. And I'm the old man of the lot," he said. "I know that my parents and other loved ones I've lost will be looking down at me and supporting me.

Siobhan Houghton, from Perton, has decided to get healthier ahead of her new job as a community staff nurse.

The 31-year-old said: "I want to be healthy so that I can set an example to my patients."

"I have gone on various diets in the past, but none of them have worked in the long-term, and I want to find a permanent solution."

She is currently 15st 2lbs, and wants to lose a stone in four weeks. "I just want to improve my overall fitness. But I'm quite competitive so I will be trying to win," she said.

Siobhan is being cheered on by her boyfriend Craig, with whom she is looking forward to celebrating her new job and new figure when they head to Las Vegas on holiday later this year.

Her mother Gillian and father Ray, who himself has lost six stone recently, are spurring her on.

Similarly inspired to take part by her work is Sam Bohannan, who for the past decade has been a cook at Christ Church Junior School in Tettenhall.

The 36-year-old from Castlecroft said: "I have never been this big and it's not a good advert when we are trying to encourage pupils to eat healthy meals.

"I also have two sons aged 14 and 16 who are both very sporty, and they are running rings around me at the moment.

"I think it's really going to take me out of my comfort zone, but I loved the first session."

Although not setting herself a definite goal, Sam who is currently 14st 16lbs said she would like to lose a stone over the four weeks.

The whole school is supporting her, alongside her sons Kallum and Jake, partner Richard, and best friend Sally Graham.

The fourth and final Biggest Loser participant is 28-year-old Luke James, who as head of the modern languages department at Q3 Academy in Great Barr finds it difficult to squeeze in exercise and healthy meals.

He said: "What made me do it was when I saw a photo of myself on Facebook over Christmas and realised just how much weight I'd put on."

He added: "I probably have around four to five takeaways a week, and I drink a lot of fizzy drinks. I now know that switching to Diet Coke isn't going to be enough."

The teacher from Cannock is determined to drop a stone from his current weight of 16st 13lbs, with an ultimate aim to lose four stone.

Talking after the first session, trainer Chris said: "They all have great stories and seem really enthusiastic.

"We are not going to push them too hard to begin with, as we want this to be something they continue going forward for the next 12 months and more."