One of the most recognisable faces from the disastrous Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow has undergone a remarkable transformation, turning a moment of viral infamy into an international career opportunity.
From Viral Embarrassment to Embracing the Fame
Kirsty Paterson, the 31-year-old Scottish actress who became known worldwide as the 'sad Oompa Loompa' after photos from the February 2024 event went viral, has completely reinvented herself and her career. What began as a low point in her life has blossomed into unexpected global recognition and professional success.
Speaking about the immediate aftermath of the viral attention, Kirsty revealed: "I was so embarrassed at first, as I was named and everything, it was a big low for me. I had just gone through a break-up, was living back with my parents, and then I went viral." The shambolic two-day event in February 2024 left parents furious, with Kirsty's performance as an Oompa Loompa becoming one of the most shared elements online.
A New Life Down Under
In September 2025, seeking a fresh start and better career opportunities, Kirsty made the life-changing decision to move to Melbourne, Australia. The move has given her a new-found confidence and energy that she describes as making her feel "so much younger."
Her career has diversified significantly since the viral incident. She now works as a full-time actor, part-time yoga teacher, and has even mastered fire breathing. Despite being on the other side of the world, she continues to be recognised for her Oompa Loompa role. "It is funny because I am recognised worldwide. I moved to the other side of the world and I still get recognised for being the Oompa Loompa Lass," she explained.
Turning Setback into Success
Rather than hiding from her viral past, Kirsty has cleverly incorporated the character into her personal brand, often donning a shiny green wig in her social media content. "I just used it as a character, that is not me but it is my branding. That made me feel better," she said.
The opportunities that have emerged from the situation are staggering. She has appeared on The Last Leg, 60 Minutes Australia, and Good Morning Britain, and is now working with an Emmy-winning documentarian. "I went viral for doing a very bad job, but it was very last minute and not my fault," she noted, explaining that a particularly unflattering photo sparked the initial viral attention.
The public perception shifted dramatically once people saw her television appearances. "People saw I was actually good to the kids and started realising it wasn't my fault, I just picked up that job," she said. The recognition reached incredible heights when celebrity Chrissy Teigen reached out to her, and fans began creating dolls and Lego figures in her Oompa Loompa likeness.
Her career achievements now include performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and receiving opportunities within Disney. The cultural impact of her viral moment has been cemented by Glasgow artist Ashley Rawson, who created a painting of Kirsty as the Oompa Loompa. The artwork is being auctioned by BBC Bargain Hunt's Natasha Raskin Sharp on December 3, with bids remaining open online until Boxing Day to allow fans in the UK, Australia, and America to own a piece of Wonka history.
Kirsty's story serves as an inspiring example of how to transform potential career disaster into remarkable success. Her final message to fans? "All I would say is there is super interesting things to come - watch out for them!"
