The lycra-loving legend, real name Derrick Evans, spoke of his positive mindset as he joined Dermot O’Leary and Holly Willoughby on This Morning.
Now 70, he told them:
“I know being positive every day means negativity doesn’t affect me. If you practise being positive, you will always be positive.”
The Jamaican-born fitness expert also spoke of being homeless at one point in his life.
“I was living near Arsenal and I went to a homeless family unit and I’d sit outside, on my suitcase, waiting each day for them to give us somewhere to stay and to eat. All through that I really kept hope alive. All of us are going to go through difficulties but it makes you appreciate when the good times come along.”
Evans’ colourful appearances on GMTV made him a household name before he went on to release his own fitness videos, including Mr. Motivator’s 10 Minute BLTs and Mr Motivator’s Body Conditioner.
On his big break in breakfast television, he said:
“My goal was to transform the way we look at fitness. I didn’t want it to all be sit-ups and burpees. I wanted it to be fun. There was like a light-bulb moment when I got into fitness. I felt that this was my journey. I didn’t know where I was going, I didn’t know what doors it would open up.”
He added: “Join me on the mission I’m on – which is to empower young people and older people – to realise, that as you get older, the greatest thing you can give yourself is an independent, healthier, view.”
To see out today’s show he gave a high energy workout – complete with red fishnet top, mutli-coloured lycra shorts, and an eye-catching head bandana.
To see the full interview visit itv.com/watch/this-morning
