HE’S shed more than a stone and is in the best shape of his life, thanks to Dancing On Ice. Now comic Darren
Harriott is hoping flashing some flesh will also help him win over the mums in the audience.
But while his life is now devoted to axel jumps, sequins and winning votes each Sunday, it could very easily have been a different kind of blade that was keeping him up at night.
For aged just 14, Darren was the kind of teen most mums fear – a knife-wielding wannabe gangster, who now admits that it was a miracle he never killed anyone.
At 34, Darren hopes he can not only win over mums but also inspire troubled young men to swap knives for skates.
“If there was a kid who is in a gang and is watching me on Dancing On Ice, it would be nice to show them that things can change,” explained Darren.
“Your life can change. Things can get better. You can have more fun. I would never have thought that I would do something like this in my entire life, especially back then.
“When I was in a gang, it was all about ego. You want to be seen as tough and scary.
“Now I’m literally, by trade, a clown! It’s like, put the blades on your feet, not in your pockets.”
Growing up in a poverty stricken family in Oldbury, West Midlands, Darren saw his drug addict dad, Patrick, repeatedly jailed for dealing.
This story is from the February 04, 2023 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 04, 2023 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Jambo flops need final-day redemption to make up for spineless display at Hampden
What better way to get over pain of semi defeat than by beating Gers when it matters?
I don't hate Shaun.. 20 yrs ago I might
Stephen: He thinks he's chalk of walk but we're all grown Up
Scottish Gas I was doing a Moonwalk during the shootout! I must have aged 10 yrs but when the pressure was on, our big characters stepped up
Taylor jokes penalties in Cup thriller os had him moving like Michael Jackson
GOOD GRIEF
Klopp's title dream is dying after final trip across city for derby
DAVO'S FINAL ASSIST
_=/ Steven won't admit it but his three points in Baise may yet play big part in the title race
Mourners targeted by online scammers
Rev reveals live stream rip-off for four funerals at his church
MADDIE COP EVIDENCE FOR BRUECKNER TRIAL
Met detective in court with suspect
AYE ROAD FOR BONNIE BANKS
Controversial Flamingo Land development moves step closer
Borderline of fire
Attacks intensify between Israel and Hezbollah with Rafah in peril
This reinforces for me that the police were not doing their job properly
Wrongly convicted Barry George says Serb must be quizzed