Angel's Big Brother heartbreakThursday, 09 July 2009
Angel McKenzieBy Nadia Gilani
A BOXER has spoken of having her heart broken by a housemate in the Big Brother house.
Russian-born Angel McKenzie, 36, who lives in Herne Hill, said she is disappointed that she was âkicked outâ three weeks into the the 10th series of the Channel4 show.
The competitive fitness fanatic was evicted from the house by fellow housemate Noirin, 25, a retail manager from Dublin, on June 26.
She said: âIt was very difficult in the house.
âI made some friends but itâs tough doing it every day.
âNoirin broke my heart. We connected and had a relationship.
"I gave her my diamond ring and then she broke my heart and evicted me.
âThat hurt me and I was angry that I was kicked out so early but Iâm hungry now and determined to work on my career.â
She has started seeing a psychiatrist, provided by Channel 4, since leaving the show.
Angelâs first claim to fame was in all-female rock band Attas in her native Russia, before she moved to the UK seven years ago and set up home in Brixton.
She said: âI fell in love with Brixton as soon as I got here.
âIâve been to lots of places in London but South London is the best place to live.
âI know everyone here and everyone knows me.
"This was even before I went on the show. I run in Brockwell Park and people always talk to me.â
It was in 2001, when she was still dabbling with drugs, suffering from depression and working as a cleaner, that she met her adoptive dad, former British and European boxing champion Clinton McKenzie, 53.
Clinton, who lives in Dulwich, owns McKenzie Boxercise in Norwood Road, Tulse Hill, where Angel is a fitness trainer.
She said: âI didnât know what to do with my life. I thought I was finished but I didnât want to go back to Russsia.
âClinton took me out of hell. He trained me and then I became an instructor myself.
âI was an accidental child and never had a father. Clinton took care of me and saved me.â
Born Elena Chebotareva, she did not have to think twice about changing her name to Angel McKenzie by deed poll.
She said: âI think names bring luck. I believe I am a messenger of fitness and I wanted to publicise female boxing on the show.
âMy life hasnât been easy. It still can be hard, but fitness brought me back to life.
âIâve stopped taking drugs, Iâve changed my body.
âItâs not about winning on Big Brother. Jade Goody didnât win, but to me she is a winner.
âShe made a name for herself. She became someone and I really respect her for that.â
Angel also has a beauty tip for women: âI never smile after 8pm because it gives you wrinkles.
âThatâs what I tell women if they want to stay beautiful.â