Oompa Loompa from doomed Willy Wonka Experience unrecognisable after ‘glow up’
Kirsty Paterson, 31, went viral after dressing up as the Roald Dahl character in the doomed Willy Wonka Experience last year – but has now had a “glow up” after moving to Australia
The Oompa Loompa who became an internet sensation following the disastrous Willy Wonka Experience has relocated to Australia and looks completely different after her transformation – revealing she now “embraces” the character and gets spotted across the globe.
Kirsty Paterson, 31, stumbled into unexpected stardom after portraying the Roald Dahl character at the infamous event last year. The Scottish performer has since undergone a dramatic “glow up” following her move to Melbourne, Australia – where she now works as a full-time actor, part-time yoga instructor and fire-breathing performer.
She’s cleverly capitalised on her “sad Oompa Loompa” persona whilst giving it a glamorous twist – sporting a gleaming green wig across her social media platforms.
Kirsty, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, explained: “It is really funny actually that all of this had come from a really bad situation. I had just gone through a break-up, was living back with my parents, and then I went viral.
“I was so embarrassed at first, as I was named and everything, it was a big low for me.
“But then I thought, I don’t want to be moping around about this, and I used it for the better. Now I embrace it and use it as a character.”
Kirsty was involved in the Willy Wonka Experience in February 2024 – which sparked outrage amongst parents due to the shambolic event.
However, since relocating to Australia in September 2025, she’s discovered newfound confidence – seeking a fresh beginning and better career prospects.
Kirsty added: “I just used it as a character, that is not me but it is my branding. That made me feel better.
“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.
“People tend to say ‘I know you but I don’t know where from’ and the room goes crazy when I tell them.
“I was helping out in a bar once and a customer said ‘you’re that lady!’, she went mad.”
Since then, Kirsty has landed further opportunities – appearing on programmes including The Last Leg, 60 Minutes Australia and Good Morning Britain, whilst collaborating with an Emmy-winning documentary maker.
She revealed: “I went viral for doing a very bad job, but it was very last minute and not my fault, a really bad photo was taken and when viral.
“I thought it was the worst in the world people were slagging me off and then Good Morning Britain invited me on and I felt I could rectify myself even though I did nothing wrong.
“People saw I was actually good to the kids and started realising it wasn’t my fault, I just picked up that job. Then people were making dolls of me and Lego on a world wide level!”.
“Chrissy Teigen even reached out to me – a lot of celebs, it was incredibly overwhelming – over time people started seeing my potential.
“I got to perform at Edinburgh fringe and even had opportunities within Disney, and show casing my real potential.”
Kirsty has even commissioned renowned Glasgow artist Ashley Rawson to create a painting of her Oompa Loompa persona, which will go under the hammer via BBC Bargain Hunt’s Natasha Raskin Sharp on December 3. Bidding for the artwork remains available online until Boxing Day, ensuring people across the UK, Australia and America can secure their opportunity to possess “this wee piece of Wonka history.”
Kirsty reveals her relocation and makeover has made her feel “so much younger”, with her newfound self-assurance and optimism providing her with boundless vitality.
She revealed: “All I would say is there is super interesting things to come – watch out for them!”
You can find Kirsty on Instagram, here.
