I was on Rich Kids Go Skint five years ago and it’s still haunting me – they made me look so stuck up
A MAN has revealed that he was on Rich Kids Go Skint five years ago and is still haunted by his episode on the popular show.
Callum Ryan, 22, who starred in the Channel 5 show back in 2018 claimed that the programme was heavily influenced and he was made to look ‘stuck up’.
The content creator and presenter, who started his social media career as a vlogger at the age of 16, has now amassed a staggering 1.1 million followers on TikTok.
Back in 2018 when Callum appeared on the hit show, at the age of just 16, he swapped his expensive shopping habit that was funded by the bank of mum and dad for a taste of life as a struggling single father.
Callum, who at the time lived in a Grade II listed thatched cottage in Milton Keynes with his parents and two brothers, moved in with Luke Shaw, who tops up his income with benefits, and his three sons in Deal, Kent, for the 5Star show.
While staying with Luke, shopaholic Callum, who confessed to spending up to £1,000 on a single pair of Yeezy trainers, was shocked to discover Luke’s own budget for a pair of shoes was closer to £10.
The teenager mucked in with the household chores during his stay in Kent, and admitted that his perception of people who claim benefits – that they “abuse” the system because they “can’t be bothered to get a job” – had been turned on its head by watching how hard Luke works to look after his boys.
During the episode, Callum confessed: “To be honest with you that was my view, I was thinking if someone [is] on benefits – because of the media and the way it is portrayed – that they’re just doing it to abuse the system.
“That they can’t be bothered to get a job.”
Callum also admitted he has it easy at home, as he explained: “My mum is always asking me to help out but I can’t be bothered.
“If she does such a good job of it and enjoys it what’s the point, I’ll just make things worse.”
Not only this, but the youngster admitted that running around after three children for two days tired him out, and told his mother over the phone he doesn’t know how she manages.
After cooking a final farewell dinner for Luke’s family, Callum said: “When I first met you and had that [stereotypical] impression of lower income families on benefits… and I did also think you were on the sofa and didn’t really bother with the kids – that they’re off doing whatever they want.
“But you look after your kids more than anyone I know. It’s really nice to see and my perception has changed completely.”
However, five years after the episode aired, Callum has set the record straight on his TV appearance.
In a clip shared on social media, Callum and some of his influencer pals gathered to watch his episode.
He explained: “Tonight we’re gonna be watching my episode of Rich Kids Go Skint.”
But as the show portrayed him as someone who loves splashing the cash, his friends were seen shaking their heads.
In shock, one of Callum’s pals asked: “Why are you pretending you’re rich?”
Meanwhile, another claimed: “They make you seem real stuck up.”
Following this, someone else chimed in: “I know, they make him seem well stuck up.”
At the same time, another of Callum’s friends shared: “It doesn’t even seem like you Cal, I’m not even joking.”
Not only this, but one of Callum’s mates then asked: “Did they make you say all this stuff to make you look bad?”
In response, the content creator claimed: “They heavily influence it, yeah.”
In another clip, posted in 2021, Callum explained: “Rich Kids Go Skint – the show that is still haunting me, four years after it was filmed.”
As he shared a variety of news headlines about him following the show, he confirmed: “Yes that’s me. Unfortunately…”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @thatonecal, has clearly left many stunned, as social media users eagerly flooded the comments.
One person said: “I knew I recognised you from somewhere.”
Another added: “That’s embarrassing.”
A third commented: “I thought I recognised you.”
Callum and Channel 5 have been contacted for comment.
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