AN ELECTRICAL shop worker from Wanstead has had his life “completely changed” after he appeared in front of millions of people in a BBC documentary last night.
Tony Kemp, 27, starred alongside businesses and other residents of Wanstead in yesterday's edition of hit BBC3 show Make My Body Younger.
During the hour-long programme, Mr Kemp’s partying ways and regular diet of drink and drugs was analysed by a team of doctors, who warned him that he was facing an early death unless he radically changed his lifestyle.
Mixed in with shots of Wanstead landmarks, the show detailed Mr Kemp’s battle to improve his health and stave off his damaging temptations.
Mr Kemp, of Overton Drive, told the Guardian: “It’s completely changed my life.
“I was so shocked when they said my body was in the same biological condition of a 36-year-old. After that I just thought I’ve got to give it my all and try and sort it out.”
During the programme, Mr Kemp talked frankly about his life of cocaine use.
He said: “My mum was disappointed at first. She knew I was a bit of a boy but she didn’t know the full extent of it. But I thought if i’m doing it properly there’s no point hiding anything.
“I never really thought about it much but it really changed me around. For me, if just one person saw it and takes heed then it will all have been worth it.”
Mr Kemp appeared on the show after spotting a tiny advert in a national newspaper asking for volunteers with “excessive” lifestyles.
The show also featured shots filmed in several Wanstead businesses, including the Olive Branch cafe on the High Street.
Owner Marco Barbuti said: “I know one of the film makers who’s local and he needed a location to film in, so I was happy to help him out.”
However staff at Santa Fe fashion boutique in Wanstead High Street were left forlorn after programme makers decided not to broadcast a section filmed at their shop.
Worker Darryl Finer said: “We’re pleased and proud that we were involved and that we helped style him for the programme, but it was disappointing that they cut our segment out.”
Since the TV show was filmed two months ago Mr Kemp says he has kept up with his new healthier lifestyle, and is even thinking of having a child with his fiancée Nicola.
“It’s early days yet but we’re going to give it another couple of months yet,” he added.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel