Channing Tatum on why he almost turned down returning for Magic Mike 3

By now you'll have probably heard the very exciting news that Channing Tatum and the gang will be returning to screens for a third instalment of the Magic Mike movie series. But, the movie almost never was, as Tatum recently revealed the gruelling lengths he has to put his body through to get into shape left him questioning whether he'd reprise his role.

Speaking on The Kelly Clarkson Show earlier this week, the 41-year-old shared details of the intense fitness regime and diet required to get his Magic Mike physique – admitting that it's so intense, he almost turned down returning for the third film. "That might be the reason why I didn't want to do a third one," Tatum explained, as a topless photo of him from the second movie flashed on screen. "Because I have to look like that."

Pointing out just how tough getting into shape for the role is, he said: "It's hard to look like that. Even if you do work out, to be that kind of in shape is not natural. That's not even healthy. You have to starve yourself. I don't think when you're that lean, it's actually healthy."

Tatum went on, "I don't know how people who work a 9 to 5 actually stay in shape because it's my full-time job, and I can barely do it." As for how he's been doing that, the actor revealed he's been working out twice a day and eating "completely right."

Yet, as anyone who's ever stepped foot in a gym will tell you, it can be frustrating how hard you have to work to see results, and how easily they can slip away. "Why — when it takes like, I don't know, two months to get really lean — in three days, you can lose it?" he asked. "It's gone. I was like, 'What happened?'"

On the topic of what he misses most from his diet during training, he said it has to be flavouring his food, particularly with salt. "The thing I miss most probably is like, salt," he said, pointing out that he gets rid of this before going "butt naked onscreen" to reduce bloating. "Just everything tastes like, I don't know, tastes like water. It's nothing."

Beat is the UK's leading charity dedicated to helping people with eating disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling and want to seek help, call their helpline on 0808 801 0677 or visit their website for more details.

You Might Also Like

• A ranking of the very best hair straighteners - according to our Beauty Editors

• Best party dresses to shop in the UK right now

• 11 products you'd be mad to miss from the Net A Porter beauty sale