Nathan Connor found confidence with first job
Nathan Connor doesn't think he'd have the career he has now without having been a Butlin's Redcoat because he learned new skills and gained confidence.
Nathan Connor doesn't think he'd have the career he has now without having been a Butlin's Redcoat.
The 35-year-old presenter is known for his work on Channel 5's Milkshake, as well as his online content, and he will always be grateful that he had a platform to develop his entertaining skills and grow in confidence during his time at the holiday resorts.
Speaking as he helped unveil a one-of-a-kind Rhinestone Redcoat at Butlin's Skegness to celebrate the iconic uniform's 90th anniversary, he said: "Being a Redcoat set up what I do now. I started in 2011, when I got to Butlins, I learned how to DJ, I’d never done it in my life before, I got a microphone for the first time, got on stage in front of thousands of people, started talking to people as well.
"It gave me the confidence to go on and do TV and social media, I made friends for life. It’s like coming home, Butlins is a family and always will be."
Nathan hailed his time as a Redcoat as having the "best job in the world" and he grew hugely during his time in the role.
He said: "Being a Butlins redcoat is special, there’s so much prestige. It’s the opportunities you get as well. You're with 30 people every day, you’re family and get to do things you wouldn’t do in other jobs.
"I used to call it the best job in the world because you get to meet different people every day and discover yourself as well, discover talents you never knew you had. Being a Butlins Redcoat really propels you, personally and professionally.”
The Rhinestone Redcoat was designed by The Masked Singer's costume designer Tim Simpson and is covered in 32,000 crystals.
Tim said: “This project was about taking something instantly recognisable and elevating it into a true centre-stage spectacle. The Butlin’s Redcoat is already iconic, so we wanted to honour that heritage while dialling up the glamour. What makes it unique is the number of crystals – I don’t think we’ve ever added this many to a garment! The 90-stone anniversary ‘R’ is a small but powerful detail that celebrates this incredible milestone – we’re so proud to have been part of this celebration.”
Mike Godolphin, Butlin’s Entertainment Director and former Redcoat added: “For 90 years, Redcoats have been at the heart of the Butlin’s experience - bringing energy, personality and world-class entertainment to families across the UK. The Rhinestone Redcoat not only celebrates that legacy but reflects how we’re constantly evolving the Redcoat role for a new generation. We’re blending our heritage with modern creativity as we shape the future of entertainment at Butlin’s, and we look forward to celebrating all of the special memories waiting to be made here in the next 90 years.”
The garment - which weighs 4.5kg and took 91 hours to create - is being auctioned to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
The auction runs until 30 April at https://uk.givergy.com/ButlinsRedcoatAuction
