Kirsty Paterson, the 31-year-old who became an accidental internet sensation as the 'sad Oompa Loompa' from Glasgow's now-infamous Willy Wonka Experience, has embarked on a remarkable new chapter on the other side of the world.
After the event in February 2024 drew fury from parents for its shambolic setup, a single photo of Kirsty in her green-haired Oompa Loompa costume unexpectedly propelled her to global recognition. Now, having moved to Melbourne, Australia in September 2025, she has transformed her life, building a career as a full-time actor, part-time yoga teacher, and a fire breathing performer.
From Viral Embarrassment to Embracing the Fame
Reflecting on her sudden notoriety, Kirsty admits the experience was initially daunting. "I had just gone through a break-up, was living back with my parents, and then I went viral," she shared. "I was so embarrassed at first, as I was named and everything, it was a big low for me."
However, she quickly decided to turn a negative into a positive. "I thought, I don't want to be moping around about this, and I used it for the better," Kirsty explained. "Now I embrace it and use it as a character." She continues to leverage her viral persona, even glamming up the look with a shiny green wig for her social media channels.
A New Life Down Under
Since relocating to Australia, Kirsty has found a newfound confidence and energy. "I feel so much younger," she said, attributing this change to her positive outlook and new surroundings. Remarkably, her fame has followed her across the globe.
"It is funny because I am recognised worldwide," Kirsty revealed. "I moved to the other side of the world and I still get recognised for being the Oompa Loompa Lass." She recounted an incident where a customer in a bar she was helping at excitedly identified her, causing a stir.
Opportunities from Unexpected Origins
What began as a "really bad situation" has since unlocked a wave of professional opportunities. Following the viral incident, Kirsty made appearances on major television programmes including Good Morning Britain, The Last Leg, and 60 Minutes Australia.
She also had the chance to work with an Emmy-winning documentarian, perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and explore opportunities with Disney. The public perception of her shifted as people realised the event's failure was not her fault. "People saw I was actually good to the kids," she noted.
The cultural impact of her image was profound, with fans creating dolls and Lego figures in her likeness. She even received a message of support from celebrity Chrissy Teigen.
Adding to her unique story, a painting of her Oompa Loompa character, created by famed Glasgow artist Ashley Rawson, is being auctioned by BBC Bargain Hunt's Natasha Raskin Sharp. Bids for the artwork, which offers a "wee piece of Wonka history," opened on December 3 and will remain open online until Boxing Day to accommodate fans in the UK, Australia, and America.
With her life completely transformed, Kirsty's final message is one of excited anticipation: "All I would say is there is super interesting things to come - watch out for them!"
