Mr Motivator returned to his TV roots today - 30 years after winning the nation’s hearts as Britain’s most entertaining fitness instructor.
The lycra-loving legend, real name Derrick Errol Evans MBE, spoke of his positive mindset as he joined hosts, Dermot O’Leary and Holly Willoughby on the This Morning sofa.
Now 70, he told them:
“I know being positive every day means negativity doesn’t affect me. If you practise being positive, you will always be positive.”
To see out today’s show he also gave a high energy workout - complete with red fishnet top, mutli-coloured lycra shorts, and an eye-catching head bandana.
Before that, Derrick spoke of a time in his life when he was homeless.
The Jamaican-born fitness expert said: “I was living near Arsenal and I went to a homeless family unit and I’d sit outside, on my suitcase, waiting each day for them to give us somewhere to stay and to eat.”
He went on: “But all through that I really kept hope alive. All of us are going to go through difficulties but it makes you appreciate when the good times come along.”
On his big break in breakfast television, he said: “My goal was to transform the way we look at fitness. I didn’t want it to all be sit-ups and burpees. I wanted it to be fun.”
Talking of his success, he said: “There was like a light-bulb moment when I got into fitness. I felt that this was my journey. I didn’t know where I was going, I didn’t know what doors it would open up.”
He said it was his continuing mission to keep people active and positive.
He added: “Join me on the mission I’m on - which is to empower young people and older people - to realise, that as you get older, the greatest thing you can give yourself is an independent, healthier, view.”
To see the full interview visit itv.com/watch/this-morning
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 & ITVX