Mr Motivator has revealed that This Morning star Judy Finnigan is responsible for his iconic name.
The 68-year-old fitness expert, whose real name is Derrick Evans, shot to fame in the early nineties through appearances on GMTV, where he performed live fitness sessions and promoted healthy lifestyle offering tips and advice to viewers in his trademark colourful Lycra.
He’s been keeping the nation fit for 30 years and Mr Motivator has finally dished the dirt on his nickname.
The TV personality told Daily Star: “There was a certain lady called Judy Finnigan, she used to be on This Morning
“I used to do a slot on This Morning where they’d send me out to the market place to get people exercising.
“It’s funny how those things are the foundation stone for what led me to where I am.”
He continued: “I will always remember one morning she said ‘Let’s go to a man who seems to motivate anybody’.
“When I heard that, I thought motivator, Mr Motivator, and that’s when it was born.
“So I registered it and it’s been my moniker for all these years and long may it continue.”
(Image: ITV)
Judy, 72, is one half of husband and wife presenting duo Richard and Judy, who presented the ITV daytime show from 1988 until 2001.
They occasionally return to the famous sofa to cover Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby when they take a break.
Mr Motivator has been spending the coronavirus lockdown getting the nation moving with online classes and he’s made sure that his sessions are fit for people of all abilities.
(Image: PA)
“That’s how it should be,” he said. “It should not be just a special class for you because you have a condition.
“The teacher should be good enough to make sure that they engage everybody and provide alternatives.”
Mr Motivator has been putting athletes Nicola Adams OBE, Greg Rutherford MBE and Kelly Smith MBE through their paces for Smart Energy GB Fit For The Future campaign, putting them to the test with outdated equipment.
The campaign showcases the importance of upgrading your equipment at home, starting with smart energy meters.
Discussing his latest project, he said: “I get so much joy empowering people to get up and be more active – this has been my life mission.
“One important lesson I have learnt is that you need the right mindset and equipment to get to the very top of your game, and that applies just as much to our energy system as to top sports people.
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“Expecting our outdated energy system to meet Britain’s growing needs is like trying to win a race on a penny farthing or play a grand slam with a wooden racket.
He added: “One thing people can do to help, without even getting off their sofa, is to get a smart meter installed.”
Mr Motivator is part of the Get Britain Energy Fit For The Future campaign, encouraging everyone to do their bit to help modernise our outdated energy system by getting a smart meter – paving the way for smarter homes and more integration of renewables. For more information visit here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
