Paddy McGuinness, along with other comedy stars including Al Murray, Simon Brodkin and Andi Osho, has backed Stoptober, the NHS's new challenge to help smokers quit from October 1.

The Public Health England initiative is supported by a survey that says smokers who go smoke free for 28 days are five times more likely to quit, and the comedians provide a three minute TV spot followed by a three week campaign to get smokers ready for October. McGuinness commented 'We are asking every smoker to take on the challenge of quitting for 28 days so they can enjoy being a bit healthier and also have more loose change in their pockets'.