RISING STAR
Who is Channel 4 Paralympics and The Undateables star Fats Timbo?
Find out what Fats had to say about appearing on The Undateables
AFTER shooting to fame on Channel 4's The Undateables, Fats Timbo's career has gone from strength to strength.
The TV and social media star has now landed the gig of a lifetime, as part of Channel 4's Paralympics presenting team.
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Who is Channel 4 Paralympics star Fats Timbo?
Born on January 9, 1997, Fatima Timbo, known as Fats, is a social media and TV star.
She has amassed nearly three million followers on TikTok and over 300,000 followers on Instagram (as of August 2024).
Fats is best known for her comedy sketches and candid videos about life
She was born with dwarfism, but she prefers the term "little people".
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Speaking to Radio 1 she said: "Dwarfism is the medical term for it, but I don't like to be called a dwarf because I like to be called a human - I like to be called a person."
She added: "Dwarfism is almost making me sound like a mythical creature.
"The 'm word' - or midget - for me, has always been used as a negative connotation, so that is why I don't like to hear it or people using it towards me."
Standing at 4ft (1.21m) tall, Fats has had to overcome bullying and insecurity to achieve her success.
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She said: "For a long time, I thought I was cursed.
"When I was younger, every time I would go out and someone's looking at me, it would make me feel so bad."
Watch The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4
But Fats found confidence through social media, and the positive feedback she receives from fans.
She said: "When I was online, and people noticed how much courage I had and [they] enjoyed my content, that's what made me different.
"I realised when I was going through all the hardships and people bullying me, I felt like I went through it for a reason. Those that have a difference, that's what makes you stand out.
The social media star shot to fame on Channel 4's The Undateables in 2018.
I didn't like the name whatsoever, that's why I declined initially.
Fats Timbo talks about The Undateables
The show has come under fire in the past for its title, something Fats agreed with before taking part.
She told the : "I didn't like the name whatsoever, that's why I declined initially.
"But then I thought about the bigger picture.
"I was very young, I was 20 and I thought I could find love.
Fats continued: "Also, the first time I ever saw a Black little person was on The Undateables and I thought, 'What if I do that for other people?
I don’t have a sporting bone in my body, but I can chat for England so I thought maybe I could be a presenter – and look where I am. It’s amazing
Fats Timbo on joining the Paralympics presenting team
"So, I changed my mind and I messaged them.
"It was a great experience to be honest with you. Although a lot of people say 'you're not undateable' and I know it!
"But I'm glad I went on there and showed people my personality and that's where I started my journey. I'm proud to say I did."
In 2023, Fats took part in the Stand Up To Cancer series, Don't Look Down alongside Paddy McGuinness.
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Who is Fats Timbo's fiance Alan Laszczak?
Despite not finding love on The Undateables, Fats is now happily engaged.
The star had been dating photographer Alan Laszczak for four years before he popped the question in May 2024.
Sharing her big engagement, which took place on a beautiful clifftop in Thailand, she posted: "Alan proposed! And I said yes!!!
"From the day we met I knew you were my person.
"Over the last 4 years you have changed my life for the better. I can’t wait to be your wife."
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Alan shared the same video to his Instagram and wrote: "Only gone and popped the question and she said yess!!
"I love you with all my heart you are my soulmate, I’ve known it for a while now and just had to take action, this day turned out perfectly I’m gassed I can wait for the wedding and our bright future together!"
Like his fiancee, Alan is also an avid user of social media and has detailed his fitness journey as someone with cerebral palsy.
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When will Fats Timbo be at the Paralympics for Channel 4?
Fats is part of Channel 4's top line-up of presenters and commentators for the Paralympic Games 2024.
The rising star is in Paris as one of the roving reporters soaking up the exciting atmosphere.
Fats is on hand to capture the mood and celebrations across the French capital, and will be reporting back to the studio.
She joins the likes of Rose Ayling Ellis, Clare Balding, and Vick Hope in Paris in covering the big event.
The Paralympics 2024 get underway on August 28, and finishes on September 8.
Ahead of the Games, she told Channel 4 she was "ecstatic" at being involved.
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She said: "It’s always been a dream of mine to be part of them [the Paralympics] some way or another.
"I don’t have a sporting bone in my body, but I can chat for England so I thought maybe I could be a presenter – and look where I am. It’s amazing."
Channel 4's Paralympics Line-Up
Channel 4 have a star-studded line-up of hosts and pundits for their coverage of the 2024 Paralympics
The presenting team is headed up by former Paralympian turned TV host Ade Adepitan.
Five-time Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds is making her debut with the broadcaster, alongside actress, producer and former Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Veteran sports broadcaster Clare Balding also appears on-screen, as does racing-driver-turned-commentator Billy Monger and Invictus Games medallist and presenter JJ Chalmers.
The line-up also includes adventurer and former rugby union player Ed Jackson, TV and radio presenter Vick Hope, comedian Josh Pugh and sports presenter Lee McKenzie.
There's also an experienced team who are there to commentate, including in the athletics, the wheelchair rugby and the equestrian events.
Further expert analysis comes courtesy of multi-Paralympic medallist Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson and Paralympic gold-medal sprinter Libby Clegg.
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