Love Island Anton lands job with UN
Anton is delighted with his prestigious new role – and tells how inspiring kids has been his mission since long before he found TV fame
LOVE Island star Anton Danyluk’s summer in a Majorcan villa has spawned a surprise spin-off – a job with the United Nations. The Airdrie gym instructor, who famously has his backside shaved by his mum, might seem an unlikely ambassador for the prestigious organisation – but its bosses reckon he is just the man for the job.
The hunky 24-year-old has been given the role of World Merit Ambassador, which involves promoting health and well-being among young people around the globe.
Anton, who runs his own health and fitness retreat, The Ranch, was offered the job after the UN identified him as a great role model for children and teenagers.
The popular islander, who just missed out on a place in this year’s final with partner Belle Hassan, is over the moon with his appointment and can’t wait to get started.
The former Hamilton College pupil, who struggled with his weight as a teenager, said: “I can’t quite believe it. I am just so happy.
“My mission pre-Love Island was to change the lives of kids and teenagers through health and exercise. Being asked to be a World Merit Ambassador for the United Nations takes this to a whole new level.
“When I was younger, I had
insecurities about my weight. When I started going to the gym and having a healthier lifestyle, I began to feel better.
“For me, it’s not about how you look on the outside – it’s about how you feel on the inside. I just want to express that to as many people as possible and this is the perfect platform.
“If I can help one person or one kid to change their life then I will be happy.”
Anton, who showed a commitment to helping young people long before he was famous, will visit schools around the UK in his new role to share his story of how exercise changed his life mentally and physically.
He said: “When I started high school, I was a little bit overweight. I wasn’t obese but I had some puppy fat.
“It got to the point I wouldn’t even go swimming at school because I didn’t want to take my clothes off. I used to get my mum to write me sick notes on swimming days and when we were on holiday I’d always keep my T-shirt on.
“My mum decided enough was enough and she started dragging me to the gym at 5.30am before school. I