When NYPD Blue returns Tuesday, fans will find considerably less of Dennis Franz to love.

"Hunky? I don't know about that," Franz says, deflecting a compliment about the 35 pounds he dropped between seasons.

Credit a low carbohydrate diet and will-power that kept him on track even during a vacation in the stodgy-cuisined British Isles.

"I saw some of the repeats of some of the episodes and I just didn't like what I saw. But it wasn't even so much what I like. I'm not that full of myself that I care that greatly. But healthwise I know it's better for me and I know I feel better. My wife loves it."

What's the former bread and dessert lover's secret for staying slim?

"Thank God I found out sugar-free Jello has no carbs. And whipped cream, Reddi-Wip in particular."