Simon Pegg, 56, believes he would still be an alcoholic if he wasn't famous and details how he has achieved his ripped physique as he celebrates 16 years sober

Simon Pegg has revealed his ripped physique is down to tackling his alcoholism as he celebrated 16 years sober.

The actor, 56, has spoken openly about how he used to drink heavily when he was depressed and would black out for days on Hollywood trips.

Simon has said he would be dead had he not checked into the Priory in 2010 and now wants to 'live a long life' focusing on staying fit and healthy. 

The Hot Fuzz star puts his toned figure down to completing daily 10km runs, circuits and strength workouts. 

'Well, after I quit drinking I decided to get in shape. There was something positive about just looking after myself, and I love working out because it gets endorphins flowing and gives me a routine.

'The guys that were 56 when I was a kid seemed like my f***ing grandad, and I just want to live for a long time. Because, you know what? I like life', he told The Sunday Times.

Asked whether he would still be an alcoholic if he wasn't famous, Simon replied: 'Yes. Fame didn't cause it, it might have exacerbated it at times and thrown it into sharper relief but, no, it was in me before and just happened slightly in public rather than in private.' 

Simon's new appearance is different to how his fans will be used to seeing him in other films such as Paul and Run Fatboy Run.

In 2007 film Run Fatboy Run, Pegg famously played out-of-shape Dennis, who can barely find the motivation to work out.

But he desperately tries to whip himself into shape to compete with his ex-fiancee's super-fit new partner, played by Hank Azaria.

It comes after Simon and Nick Frost left fans begging for a Spaced reboot as they reunited for a 'lovely dinner' earlier this year.

The actors, who are best friends and comedy partners, first starred together in the cult classic British television sitcom from 1999 to 2001, playing Tim Bisley and Mike Watt.

The pair, who have also starred together in films Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz, were smiling broadly as they posed for a snap during a meal out.

Alongside the Instagram post, Nick, 53, jokingly wrote in reference to Simon: 'A lovely dinner with a lovely, lovely lady.'

Spaced fans went wild for the reunion and begged the duo to get together for a reboot.

The show tells the story of 20-something Londoners Tim and Daisy who have to pretend to be a couple to live in the only apartment they can afford.

One fan wrote: 'I want to see a SPACED reunion'; 'We need more films from you both! Visiting Wells for a weekend this month, looking forward to seeing the hot fuzz sites'

'Would love to see you two back together on the silver screen'; 'Shaun of the Dead 2? Please!'

Nick has previously revealed that he, Simon, and their pal Edgar Wright, who directed Spaced, will always be up for new movie projects and hope to do something together again in the future.

He previously told The i Paper: 'I think me and Simon [Pegg] and Edgar [Wright] will definitely do something else at some point.

'Even if we're 60, it's like, so how are these 60–year–old friends now? What's their relationship like? And our audience will be 60, as well. We've all grown up together.'

Back in July 2024, Simon also teased that the trio would be getting back together to make a fourth Cornetto film, saying: 'It really is a question of when, not if.'

Nick and Simon have their own production company and meet regularly behind the scenes.

The duo first worked together on Channel 4 sitcom Spaced, before starring in Edgar's Cornetto Trilogy: Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World's End, and they recently starred together in 2020's Truth Seekers.

Despite running their own company, the pair spent time apart during lockdown and Nick recently admitted he hugged Simon for an hour when they reunited when Covid restrictions were eased.