Renowned for his vibrant outfits and even brighter personality, the charismatic fitness coach shot to fame in the 1990s as he got the nation moving with his popular fitness sessions on ITV’s GMTV. The fitness icon returned to GMTV in 2009 for the NHS Change 4 Life campaign and joined BBC HealthCheck UK Live in 2020 to keep the nation moving during lockdown. In 2020 he was awarded an MBE for his services to health and fitness.

Turning 73 this month, Evans continues to inspire people to stay active through a wide range of activities, including free live and on-demand fitness classes and leading accessible exercise sessions of up to 250 participants on Saga Cruises. Evans says: 'I’m excited to start this partnership with Innerva. We share the same values and want to raise the profile of active ageing. I’m living proof that movement can be medicine, especially as we get older. Maintaining independence and dignity is only possible if we look after ourselves and stay active.

'Yet, despite the UK’s ageing population, older people feel neglected by government and overlooked by the fitness industry. We need to empower older adults and help them find spaces where they feel welcomed and supported, can exercise safely and connect with others.'

The partnership comes as the Health and Social Care Committee conducts its inquiry into healthy ageing, with experts including Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty emphasising how movement is key to independence and preventing ill health in later life.

Contributors such as Sir Muir Gray, Age UK and the Centre for Better Ageing have highlighted the barriers older adults face in staying active, from the language used around exercise to the lack of opportunities on offer. 'I’m passionate about what I do because I see the real difference that activity makes in people’s lives. After three weeks taking part in my classes on a cruise, I’ve watched people who relied on walking sticks throw them away. The fitness industry has the power to help people maintain their health and independence in older age, but it needs to actively promote to this market with activities tailored to their needs rather than treating them as an afterthought,' says Evans.

Laura Childs, head of Marketing at Innerva, says: 'We couldn’t think of a better person to represent our vision for active ageing than Mr Motivator. Still exercising every day, he is the living and breathing embodiment of what it means to age well. With his energy and passion, we want to spearhead a new movement for active ageing across the UK, creating fun, engaging and social exercise spaces in communities across the county to serve this growing demographic and help people age well.'