CELEBRITY chefs the Hairy Bikers have hit out at the chicken-shop culture which threatens to take over Croydon's high streets.
The duo spoke out ahead of their forthcoming Fairfield Halls show, which aims to promote the benefits of healthy eating.
Last year the Advertiser reported how the town centre alone was home to 111 takeaways, while obesity levels continue to soar, as 90 per cent of residents here are likely to be overweight or obese by 2050, if current trends continue.
Dave Myers and Si King, who have found fame through their hit BBC shows, recently published a book devoted to healthier eating.
Dave told the Advertiser: "There are some brilliant restaurants around Croydon and we've always thought it's a good place for a curry; the Asian food in Croydon is delicious.
"The problem with all the chicken shops is if there is demand for 16 in one high street, there is going to be a 17th."
The duo's book Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight, has proved a hit.
The chefs still enjoy their food despite losing three stone each, making healthy recipes in the week and having a "blow out" at the weekends.
Si said: "Dieting doesn't have to mean you live off salad, you just have to make small changes and you're laughing.
"To be honest we were getting morbidly obese, and you get to a certain age and think, well I have to do something about this.
"We used to stop off at a Marks & Spencer's on the motorway and get a box of cocktail sausages as well as our sandwiches. Looking at the calories now you can't believe it; one box is almost the same amount of calories I'd eat in a day now."
The bikers will spread the gospel of healthy eating in their show, Larger than Life, coming to Fairfield on March 23.
Si added: "We can't wait to play the Fairfield Halls, it's such an iconic venue and we love a curry in Croydon."
