A Glangwili Children’s Ward nurse was “in disbelief” after being chosen to take part in a new health and fitness programme on S4C.

Nic Davies is among five participants selected to appear on FFIT Cymru, which is hitting screens from April 10.

The Penygroes resident applied to take part, in a bid to transform his eating habits and adopt a more active lifestyle.

Having used to play rugby two to three times a week, he piled on the pounds when he stopped playing due to the birth of his kids.

The 34-year-old family man is looking forward to improving his fitness to become a role model for his two sons, Macs and Guto, and in his words, be a “fit father, not fat father.”

He will be joining serial snacker Mathew Thomas, from Anglesey; teenage mum Catherine Lewis, from Caernarfon; Urdd worker Leon Welsby, from Bridgend; and head teacher Judith Owens from Caernarfon, who are all on a mission to transform their lifestyles for the better.

During the series, which runs for eight episodes, the five participants will embark on a journey of a lifetime, supported, advised and guided by the show’s team of experts; personal trainer Rae Carpenter, dietitian Sioned Quirke and psychologist Dr Ioan Rees.

Scarlets fan Nic said: “I was in total disbelief when the FFIT Cymru team knocked on my door to say I had been chosen.

"I knew there was something up the day before because my wife came home early from work to clean the house.

“I applied on the spur of the moment after seeing it advertised, I never thought I’d be chosen. I applied because my children are my world, and they look up to me and watch what I eat, so I want to set a good example for them.”

Working irregular shifts as a peadiatric assitant practioner at Glangwili Hospital, Nic admits to eating unhealthily and says his colleagues and doctors have also been nagging him to lose weight.

“I really want to change my mindset to food and feel better about myself through the programme, and stop seeing exercise as a negative thing and start to enjoy it,” he added.

“I have worked for the NHS as a nurse for 16 years – I help people every day – the children and the family, but I need help now.

“I am really looking forward to getting started.”

Mr Davies was chosen to appear after being whittled down from 200 applicants. 14 hopefuls joined the FFIT Cymru team for an assessment day where they were put through their paces, emotionally and physically.

The final five were then revealed when the show’s presenter Lisa Gwilym surprised them at their homes and places of work with the news.

She said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with our fab five who at our assessment day all showed a real desire to overhaul their lifestyles.

“While each have their own reason for wanting to take part, they are relatable to many people across Wales. A shift worker who skips meals, eats irregularly and unhealthy food, finding it hard to keep up a regular exercise schedule. A teenage mum who struggles with confidence issues. A busy working mum who struggles to fit exercise into her life. A busy professional who skips meals during the day but then binge eats in the evening. And a family man who struggles to eat healthily and exercise, snacks in the evening, yet wants to be a good role model for his family.

“We’re really looking forward to working with them over the next few months to transform their lifestyles and our team of experts will be on hand to support them every step of the way.

“I think our five will be incredibly motivating and inspirational for the people of Wales and I can’t wait for the show to air next month.”

For more information go online to s4c.cymru/ffitcymru.