Jillian Michaels is a one-woman fitness industry. Her seven books have been translated into 25 languages, she has a shelf-full of bestselling DVDs – including her latest, One Week Shred – more than 1.1million Twitter followers and 2.5million Facebook fans.

Now the fitness expert is headed for London, with a two-hour interactive live show at Greenwich’s Indigo2 called Maximise Your Life.

The 40-year-old coach on TV smash The Biggest Loser promises to take the audience on a journey of ‘information, inspiration and self exploration’ towards leading the happiest life they can, ‘physically, personally and professionally’.

Jillian has never toured the UK professionally, filmed DVDs or written books specifically for British audiences before but that hasn’t stopped her being a huge success over here.

She said: “I think the UK audience is one that is hungry for knowledge, results driven and can handle the truth so thus far my brand has flourished  - even in its limited representation.”

While she hasn’t worked in this country, Jillian does have some great personal memories of these shores.

She said: “My grandmother on my mom's side was from Manchester so my family has a strong connection to the UK and we have been there many times throughout the years.

“I would say my favourite memory would be my first trip to London, as a young kid, riding the lions in Trafalgar Square as a kid with my maternal grandmother as my tour guide.”

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She may have countless DVD, book, clothing and food lines sales under her belt but live shows are what Jillian enjoys most.

She said: “I absolutely crave that direct connection with the audience. So from a selfish perspective it’s my favourite thing to do professionally.

“My job allows me to connect with people and play a role in their journey towards health and happiness, which brings tremendous meaning in my life.”

One of the attractions of the live shows is the chance for Jillian to meet her fans, many of whom pay extra for a VIP meet-and-greet.

Jillian said: “Unfortunately it isn’t possible to meet 1,000 people a night so tickets are limited, but they are there for the super fans who are looking for that one-on-one time.

“People usually tell me about their journey and their transformation. They just want a hug and a chance to share, connect, feel heard and seen. I love doing that for them. Who wouldn’t?”

Jillian’s holistic and no-nonsense  approach to a healthy lifestyle – ‘no hype, no false promises: just results’ is her tag line – was borne from her own experiences.

She said: “I can confidently say that anywhere any reader may currently feel stuck in their lives, it’s very likely I have been there.

“I have struggled with my weight in my youth. I have had a series of crappy relationships with people that are ‘just not that in to me’. I had a job in my early 20s that left me feeling defeated and depleted.

“Ultimately, over time I overcame all these things. With the right tools and skill set anything is possible. And this is what Maximise Your Life is about.”  

Those personal experiences, which also include coming to terms with ADHD and suffering night terrors as a child, mean Jillian approaches her work with empathy.

It’s one thing that sets her apart from the likes of celebrity troll and current celebrity Big Brother housemate Katie Hopkins, who said fat people needed ‘tough love’ and that she wouldn’t hire obese people because they look lazy.

Jillian said: “I am not sure who this woman is or what she does, but she is obviously clueless when it comes to the origins of obesity and the ways in which to reverse it. 

“The first key to helping someone turn this struggle around is to make them feel accepted and good about who they are - no matter where they are.

“I don't believe in sympathy, but I strongly believe in empathy. Sympathy is agreeing that they are weak and incapable. Empathy is acknowledging it's tough, but demanding they realise their potential and express their greatness within.”

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JILLIAN ON...How to keep your new year's resolution

"Establish a why! It has been said that if you have a "why" to live for you can tolerate any "how.  Think considerably on all the ways in which your life will improve from the achievement of this resolution.  If it's weight loss - will you have better sex?  More energy to play with your kids? Feel more confident and strong at your job?

"Whatever the answers are - write them down. Meditate on them."

The Jillian Michaels Maximise Your Life tour is at Greenwich’s Indigo2 on Wednesday, January 28. Go to axs.com