Lee Harrington is a lot lighter these days, but back in the day, our local lead for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) used to weigh forty stone, becoming well known for his acting, modelling and dancing. He’s been telling me about working with the likes of Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis and Michael Caine on this week's Ryecast.
As well as starring in TV commercials, Lee was part of a novelty dance group called The Blobbindales - an act based on The Chippendales only much larger. He says: "There weren’t many big guys in the business in the nineties, so I got loads of work. I had a great time.”
The podcast is full of Lee’s showbiz stories and memories, as he looks back on his life in the spotlight which includes performing with Fat Les singing “Vindaloo” on Top of the Pops. Another TV show saw him singing with Lionel Richie - even though he says he can hardly sing a note.
Now running a party balloon company in East Sussex, Lee helps some of Rye’s small firms through his work with the FSB. “I’m here to help. It’s tough at the moment, but I think it’s getting better. There are loads of new businesses setting up at the moment which is a really good sign."
If you want to know more about the work of the FFSB email
lee.harrington@fsb.org.uk.
You can hear the whole conversation on the Ryecast podcast. Just search for “Ryecast” in Apple or Spotify, or visit www.ryecast.org. To suggest a story it’s ryecastsussex@gmail.com and it’s ryecastsussex on social media.
