Glum Willy Wonka experience Oompa Loompa unrecognisable after huge transformation
Kirsty Paterson, 30, from Scotland, went viral for her disgruntled Oompa Loompa look at the Willy Wonka experience - now her life has changed for the better
An actress who shot to fame when she was pictured looking glum as she played an Oompa Loompa at the disastrous Willy Wonka experience has undergone an incredible transformation.
Kirsty Paterson, 30, now looks worlds apart after becoming a viral meme at the event in Glasgow, which promised families an enchanted experience. The day-out, which was a far cry from the actual Willy Wonka movie, was based in a largely undecorated site and left families bewildered as Oompa Loompas handed out a jelly bean and quarter cup of lemonade to each youngster.
Pictures emerged online of Kirsty stood hunched over in a basic costume, pulling a sad expression. Despite the embarrassing moment, the incident has worked in her favour, as she is now being booked left right and centre. She has since re-located to sunny Australia and said the opportunities have been pouring in.
On her Instagram Kirsty said: "My life has changed so much from this one bad event." The actress has since left the UK to live in Melbourne and sometimes re-enacts her viral moment. Kirsty recently stunned her followers in a leopard-print bikini as she relaxed on the beach. Kirsty, who is a trained fire performer, said leaving Scotland for Australia was the "best decision ever". She admits she has been booked up. Kirsty added: "You will be seeing me in action very soon. Been busy girl."
Broadway producer Richard Kraft took the disastrous Willy Wonka event and turned it into a musical at Edinburgh Fringe, which Kirsty starred in, reports Glasgow Live. Now there are discussions about upgrading the musical, titled Willy’s Candy Spectacular into a West End or Broadway show. She was also invited on the Last Leg's New Years eve programme last year, where she played the Oompa Loompa.
Kirsty said: "What a year it has been. I hit America, I starred in a musical, and now I am about to release a documentary." She also shared that she has got some acting gigs too. Commenting on her lifestyle change, one individual called it a "heartwarming glow up". While another added: "The Oompa Loompa to gold coast baddie pipeline is crazy."
Someone else dubbed her the "happiest person in Glasgow". While one other observed: "A rare happy ending on the internet." A further person chimed in: "I love this so much," while another agreed: "Glad something good came out of that."
Another said: "How anyone could've made a comeback from that is unimaginable," as Kirsty responded: "What can I say? I am good at what I do." Kirsty previously admitted that the only reason she signed up to be an Ooompa Loompa was because she needed the money and was told she would receive £500. However, she recently claimed that she still has not been paid.
Opening up on Fubar Radio, she said: "We were supposed to get paid £500 for the two days. For a side gig and extra money, it's actually quite a good rate. I've not been fully paid. I was given £200 out of the £500 pay check. After this happened I had the Good Morning interview. I've done quite well getting jobs off of the back of it with various cameos."