88-year-old Mick Wadge's TikTok fame draws Arnold Schwarzenegger
Mick Wadge, 88, went viral on TikTok after taking up weightlifting, and Arnold Schwarzenegger has reached out to meet him.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Mick Wadge, an 88-year-old from Burnley, has become an internet sensation after his personal trainer set up a TikTok account for him six weeks ago. The retired man, who took up weightlifting just three years ago, now has thousands of followers online and has caught the attention of Hollywood star and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Wadge began lifting weights at his local gym in Burnley after his wife died more than seven years ago. He said he was determined not to become one of those people who sit in front of the television all day. "It was a way of going out and keeping my mind occupied," he explained. He now goes to the gym three days a week and describes every day as a challenge.
His trainer set him up on TikTok, and within weeks he had become a global sensation. Schwarzenegger, who has 6.5 million followers on the platform, reached out and messaged Wadge's trainer. The actor now follows Wadge on TikTok, one of only 19 accounts he follows. According to the trainer, Schwarzenegger wants to invite Mick to meet his team in the USA. "Out of all the people in the world, Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to train with Mick, which is incredible," the trainer said.
Wadge said he would be delighted to take up the offer. "If Arnie messaged you and said, do you fancy a trip to the States we could maybe work out together or he might come here to Burnley, do you think you'd take him up on that?" asked the reporter. "Oh, absolutely. Heck, bloody hell. We're ready when you're ready," Wadge replied.
The story was covered by 5 News, which sent reporter Catherine Jacob to put Wadge through his paces. She challenged him to a press-up contest, which he had won previously. Wadge, who turns 89 in January, has no plans to slow down. His advice to others of a certain age is simple: "Get out. Exactly. Don't sit in the house and watching Boggly Box. It just takes people's life over and that's the only way to do it is say, I'm off out." He insists you are never too old to start.
The prospect of a meeting between Wadge and Schwarzenegger has excited fans, with many hoping for a training session between the two. Wadge's story has become an inspiration, showing that age is no barrier to fitness and ambition.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| Arnold Schwarzenegger follows Mick Wadge on TikTok. | |
| Arnold Schwarzenegger reached out to invite Mick Wadge to meet his team in the USA. | |
| Mick Wadge is 88 years old and began lifting weights three years ago. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focuses on the human interest and inspirational angle of Mick Wadge's story, highlighting his personal journey from grief to fitness and his viral fame. It includes a light-hearted on-location segment with a press-up challenge, and emphasises the excitement of Arnold Schwarzenegger's involvement. The tone is warm, encouraging, and celebratory.
- “The better you do, the better you feel. If you can't achieve it, then you can work hard until you do.”
- “Out of all the people in the world, Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to train with Mick, which is incredible.”
- “Get out. Exactly. Don't sit in the house and watching Boggly Box.”
Broadcast Timeline
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