POLITICIANS are always running for office.

But viewers will soon see Winchester MP Mark Oaten running quite literally when he stars in a reality TV show - attempting to get fit.

The BBC show, The Body Politics, focuses on three MPs attempting to improve their fitness.

The six-week programme, starting on May 22, is overseen by Chelsea and England footballer Frank Lampard's fitness trainer.

It will be the first time the former Liberal Democrat leadership candidate, pictured, has been in the limelight since he resigned his top post five months ago after a relationship with a male prostitute.

Low profile

Mr Oaten has been keeping a relatively low profile since quitting his party's front bench.

He said: "It's not a contest like Celebrity Fit Club. It's about me using free time to get fit and do things I have missed out on. I feel ten times better."

Mr Oaten said there was a serious purpose behind the show, as obesity levels soar with the resulting health problems.

He recently attributed his political self-destruction to losing his youth, his hair and his generally unhealthy lifestyle.