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Thurrock gets the Mackinnon Factor
 Local Christian schools' worker Malc Mackinnon has won his first round heat of The Krypton Factor on ITV1. TT caught up with him...
TT: Malc, what does it feel like to be in the semi finals of the KP?
MM: It feels amazing. You always hope you'll do well, but to actually hear the final buzzer go and discover that you've won is a great experience.
TT: What's been the reaction so far of friends, colleagues and relatives?
MM: It's been nuts! The phones didn't stop ringing for about two hours after the show and there were so many Facebook and email comments. Everyone seems genuinely pleased for me, it's all very humbling.
 TT: What was the toughest part of the contest?
MM: Definitely the assault course. When I found out I was up against two Iron Man triathletes and a footballer, my heart sank. And then, to make matters worse, I found out what I had to wear! Could we have looked any more ridiculous?
TT: How did you feel when you clawed your way back to third place in the assault course?
MM: I felt absolutely elated. I was so convinced that I was going to come last by miles that when I saw Neil struggling on the lake, I suddenly felt that God was with me. Even though I came third, it still felt like a victory.
 TT: The show's host, Ben Shepherd, said in his commentary at that point, "Have Malcolm's prayers been answered?" Do you think this was tongue-in-cheek or a little bit of respect coming through?
MM: I think it was a bit of both! The production team seemed to like me and no negative comments were made about my faith. I think they wanted me to do well because it made for a good story, the idea of the late starter coming good because he was helped by God. And I was quite happy for that to happen, too.
TT: What was your strongest round do you think?
 MM: I always sensed that if I got to the last round and was still in contention, then I'd have a chance. My general knowledge isn't that wide, but I can usually answer very fast. The only thing was that you didn't know how fast anyone else was until the last round started.
TT: They made a point on the show of saying that you're not only an artist but also have been a Baptist minister, and you were able to say a brief word about your faith regards to the programme. Are you happy with the opportunity you were given and the way the programme was edited?
MM: I was pleased with the editing because you never quite know what they are going to show or how they are going to show it. I was interviewed and profiled for about three hours in total, but only about 15 seconds of that was shown. I was glad they used clips where I mentioned my faith, and that it was done in a constructive way, and not to make me look like a religious maniac.
 TT: Has there been any other media interest in your progress?
MM: Michael Casey of www.yourthurrock.com has been in touch. I felt quite famous for a few hours but then my wife Donna told me that some of the children she teaches were really pleased with how well her DAD had done on the telly last night. Kind of brings you back to earth with a bump!
TT: So, the question on everybody's lips is - when can we see you again?
MM: I can be seen again in the semi final on the 2 March, when my spandex of choice will be green. I also have to wear a green jumper in the studio which is about three sizes too small, so apologies in advance!
 TT: How do you get on in the semi final, Malc?!
MM: Alas, my lips are not permitted to reveal such information.
TT: We thought you'd say that! Well, we'll be praying you make it all the way to the final - even though it was all filmed before Christmas! But if you do - Transformation Thurrock will be in touch!
So, don't forget the semi final - 7.30pm on Tuesday 2 March on ITV1.
If you missed Malc's heroic exploits in the first round heat, go to www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=120619.
There is a video interview with Malc on the Your Thurrock website: www.yourthurrock.com/2010/02/14/malcolm-wins-first-heat-of-krypton-factor/
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Tim Harrold, 11/02/2010 |
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