He was awarded an MBE in October after hosting live workouts online during the first lockdown and raising £580,000 for the NHS.

But Joe Wicks has a new rival on the fitness scene as Mark 'Bez' Berry plans to launch his own fitness classes after eating and drinking too much during the Covid-19 crisis.

The Happy Mondays maraca player, 56, wants to get fit and encourage other middle-aged people to stay active amid the third nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

After 'mainly sitting on the sofa' during the first lockdown, he decided to host weekly YouTube fitness sessions, which begin on January 17 and continue for three months.

Bez confidently described himself as somewhere between The Body Coach, 34, and 90s exercise guru Mr Motivator, whose real name is Derrick Evans, The Sun reported.

He told the publication: 'I'd like to think I'm somewhere between Joe Wicks and Mr Motivator.'

Bez, who was once well-known for his drug-taking, said he normally burns calories by dancing on stage during live shows.

But he explained that with shows being cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, he has found himself sitting on the sofa and not keeping as active.

He continued: 'But since we went into the first lockdown I've mainly sat on the sofa.'

And speaking about his Christmas festivities, he added: 'I have special pants I wear at Christmas, this year they didn't fit for the first time.' 

The percussionist also joked that although he plans to get fitter with his new fitness venture, he has no plans to start wearing lycra.

With his own style of workout classes, Bez plans to match fitness sensation Joe, who is also setting out to help the nation stay healthy amid the latest lockdown. 

Joe, who has 2.57million YouTube subscribers, claimed a Guinness World Record for live streaming after one of his online classes attracted almost a million viewers.

And the exercise coach is now teaming up with the BBC to make sure people stay active amid the strict Covid safety measures.

The network are launching a weekday segment BBC Breakfast: Lockdown Life on January 11, which will see stars give top tips to keep the body and mind active. 

The Body Coach Joe Wicks will start the new series at 7.50am on BBC One, being followed by rugby league's Kevin Sinfield, Olympian Adam Peaty and footballer Tyrone Ming.

The fitness segments, which are suitable for viewers of all ages, will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Breakfast social media channels for viewers to revisit any time. 

Joe is also returning with his online PE classes aimed at children and young adults after schools were forced to close yet again amid the third lockdown. 

He announced on Twitter: 'PE with Joe is back Monday 11th January at 9AM (UK time). Please Retweet and let as many parents and schools as possible know. The sessions will be live Mon, Wed & Fri’s at 9AM on YouTube.'

Joe also shared a video of himself explaining why he is reinstating the classes, saying: 'Hello to all the parents and teachers out there. I'm bringing PE With Joe back.

'I'm sorry I can't commit to all five days. I'm hoping three days is going to help young children and family get through this difficult time when schools are closed, to bring some energy, change their mood, lift their spirits and their mental health. Just kick their day off with something positive.

'Share this message, let your schools and your friends and family, and anyone with young children [know].  

'I'm really looking forward to it. They're going to be 20 minutes long, so nice and short. Focused on exercise for young children. 

'Suitable for all ages. Similar to what I did during the first lockdown, but much shorter.

'I hope to see you there on Monday with the kids.'

Father-of-two Joe has just launched his new app, which has reportedly made him more than £9million in a week.