An internet sensation, once known globally as the 'Fish and Rice Cakes Guy', has opened up about the surprising toll his viral fame took on his personal life, particularly with women, before his story took a heartwarming turn.
The Diet That Started It All
In 2007, a 16-year-old Danny Andrews from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, appeared in a BBC Three documentary titled Baby Faced Body Builders. It was here he meticulously described his strict diet plan, famously stating: “eight o’clock in the morning, I’ll have fish and a rice cake … at 10, just fish … at 12, fish and a rice cake.”
This brief clip, showcasing his Northern accent and unwavering dedication, quickly spiralled into a legendary internet meme, amassing millions of views. Danny has since clarified that the diet was a short-term strategy lasting only two to three weeks for competition preparation, and he never actually liked fish, choosing it purely for its low calorie count.
The Brutal Impact of Viral Fame
As the meme's popularity exploded, so did the unwanted attention in Danny's real life. He recalls people shouting “fish boy” at him from cars and experiencing blatant bullying at house parties during his late teens.
“There’d be a load of lads sniggering at me and showing videos at house parties,” Danny recounted. “Back then I wasn't confident so it literally felt like bullying. I’d leave the party and everyone would laugh at me.”
The most devastating consequence, however, was its effect on his dating life. Women would stop texting him mid-conversation the moment they realised he was the 'Fish and Rice Cakes Guy'. Danny believes the viral video was the only reference point people had, leading them to make unfair judgments about his character.
Embracing the Meme and Finding Happiness
A turning point came in 2021 when Danny met another internet personality, the Wealdstone Raider. This experience helped him learn to embrace his fame and laugh along with his fans. He decided to start “milking it for everything it’s worth.”
Now 35, Danny is a successful barber running his own shop in Preston, Lancashire, and has even launched his own protein rice cake brand. He has also appeared on several TV dating shows, including First Dates and Celebs Go Dating.
Most recently, he featured on Channel 4's Love Triangle UK, where he met 29-year-old Sadie Bass, a social media manager from Bristol. Against his own expectations, Danny found his soulmate.
“I went on Love Triangle to have a holiday and have fun - and promote the rice cakes,” he said. “I never thought that I would meet the love of my life on there, but Sadie's absolutely my soulmate and I'm so happy that embracing the meme has led to us meeting.”
The couple have been together for eight months, keeping their relationship secret for the first seven due to a non-disclosure agreement for the show. Danny Andrews' story is a testament to turning a moment of internet notoriety into a platform for personal and professional success, culminating in finding true love.
