Bodybuilder's comeback hits YouTube milestone

Brendan Pearl said he was "chuffed and amazed" to have one million subscribers - and his next goal was to get to 10 million

A father-of-three who has been documenting his comeback in the world of competitive bodybuilding following a 14-year absence has been given a special award by YouTube.

Brendan Pearl, from Wisbech, started filming his physical development journey in January, as he wanted to show his children "how dad can rebuild himself".

His videos have become such a hit the company sent him a gold plaque to mark his one millionth subscriber.

Mr Pearl, 36, said he put his success down to him being "normal and natural and just himself" in his videos.

Brendan Pearl said his subscribers were from all over the world and his content ranged from bodybuilding preparation to the chaos of family life

He said he took up bodybuilding as a teenager when he noticed some of his friends working out and taking pride in their appearance.

"I really just wanted to attract some female attention and it worked, because I have now been married for 14 years," he joked.

He did his final competitive bodybuilding show in 2011 and then quit to raise a family and start a double-glazing business.

However, recognising that "something was missing from his life", Mr Pearl took up competitive bodybuilding again last year.

During 2025 he has come first in a competition in Leicester and second in Peterborough.

Mr Pearl said he worked out five days a week in two-hourly sessions, and his fitness routine gave him "focus and purpose"

Mr Pearl said his YouTube exploits were financially rewarding, but he ploughed any money made back into his bodybuilding venture with things like advertising.

"My full-time job is still in double-glazing, and I'm not sure I will ever do YouTube for my sole income, but I just keep trying to inspire people the best I can," he said.

"The public seem to be really resonating with my fitness story and being open and honest about what it takes with my daily struggles."

Professional boxing champion Jordan Gill, 31, who part owns a gym in Wisbech where Mr Pearl trains, said the online success had been "unbelievable".

"It's overwhelming, with something Brendan started really as just a hobby," he said.

"He is a humble, family man leading a busy life. He is not a big flash 'look at me' type of guy, and always makes sure he does his time in the gym."

Boxer Jordan Gill said Brendan Pearl was an inspirational character

Gill said the benefits of fitness were invaluable.

"It's not just to make you look good, it makes you feel good too, it releases endorphins that help people empty their stress bucket."

However, he added that people needed to have a good healthy balance of exercise and rest.

"You have to listen to your body - rest is just as important as the training itself."