‘Ireland’s most tattooed man’ was prevented till one second modified the whole lot

The most tattooed man in Ireland says he was once so infamous in his community that people crossed the street to avoid him.

Chris Dalzell, who has 600 tattoos, was also gawped at in public and was humiliated when strangers secretly took photos of him without his permission.

The chef, 38, got his body art for sentimental reasons to help cope with his daughter’s health issues – but in recent years he has been denied jobs because of his extreme appearance.

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But he said his perception in Bangor, Northern Ireland, has changed in recent times, despite still attracting some stares from wary members of the public.

This is mainly because he is now the kitchen manager at a care home in Belfast – something that is “mindblowing” to him after previously being denied similar positions because of his ink.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Chris, who was once told by a restaurant manager that he couldn’t risk him being seen by diners during a job interview, said: “People would avoid me and certainly a lot of people wouldn’t approach me but they would rather take pictures of me without me knowing.

“I would also get funny looks from people which still happens but nowhere near as much. My job has definitely helped people accept that just because you are covered in tattoos you can still do good for your community and give back.”

And as for how it feels to have his pictures taken, he added: “I hate it… I prefer people to approach me and ask because I certainly will have a selfie with them. It feels like an invasion of my privacy especially when my kids are with me. And (a selfie) gives me a chance to get my personality across.”

Chris became addicted to tattoos as a coping mechanism after his young daughter Jessica was diagnosed with Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, a condition affecting connective tissues, and was in and out of hospital regularly.

He now has 95% of his skin covered and one of his most eye-catching pieces is a huge portrait of the Kray twins on his back beside a picture of his little girl.

The father was close to getting Charles Bronson inked beside her but said the notorious East End gangsters, who he described as having a bad but loyal reputation, are a symbol of protection.

Chris had no tattoos before Jessica was born but instead of just being known in his hometown as ‘Ireland’s most tattooed man’ – he now has a new nickname.

“Recently I’ve been known as tattooed Santa,” he laughed. “I cook and deliver food to the people in my community who are struggling like the elderly who are on their own. Because of that, people have been more accepting of my face tattoos and not so negative.

“I think they are becoming more acceptable because people now see me as a person and not just someone with tattoos on my face. So many people tell me that once they have spoken to me their opinion completely changes.”