Jack is a big hit in Germany

The gentle giant, who revealed exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus how he had stopped going out because he feared being ridiculed, is to appear in Europe's biggest-selling Sunday newspaper which is set to catapult him to stardom. The 50-stone gentle giant has been courted by the national media since appearing in the T&A and had a guest slot on Channel 4's Big Breakfast.

But now, Jack, 56, has been interviewed by the Sunday version of Das Bild, Europe's biggest daily newspaper with a circulation of 4.5million, and will appear in a two-page colour spread.

In Germany, he is fast becoming an icon, appearing in a soon-to-be televised programme alongside the Spice Girls and the royal family.

Speaking from his home in Manningham, Jack said: "Jawohl - I seem to be on that many German programmes that I have started learning German. In the latest programme they show the Spice Girls, the royal family and then me. It was very exciting. Some friends of mine went to Germany and they say I am a living legend over there."

He has also featured in a German magazine called MAX.

Jack, 56, said: "They took pictures of me looking out of the window and called the story Jack in the Box. It was all about why I don't go out."

Jack gave up the outside world after a series of tragedies in his life.

Philip Heademann, a German journalist living in London, said the country was fascinated by Jack.

"I understand Jack has been on a number of German television programmes already," he said. "He is not a household name yet but that is guaranteed after this article in Bild am Sonntag. He will be very famous.

"People are fascinated by his size and his story. He is remarkable."

Despite appearing on television programmes around the world, Jack has still shunned the limelight of Bradford. "I am still waiting for a nice day when I can go out to the local and have my first pint in 25 years, and when I do, you'll be the first to know," he said.