Swindon celeb Matt Fiddes 'ignored' while at Ferrari dealership

Matt Fiddes is an acclaimed martial artist and multimillionaire that has had several television appearances over the years.

Appearing on This Morning and Rich House Poor House, which was filmed in Swindon, the 43-year-old has become a household name.

He also is well known for being the bodyguard of the late popstar Michael Jackson for several years.

Despite being a famous face around the county, Matt has claimed that he was ignored when he visited Dick Lovett’s Ferrari showroom in Swindon after he came dressed in a tracksuit.

“I fancied another Ferrari so popped into a showroom to buy one or two,” he said.

“I walked right past the sales staff on the door, who smiled at me, but no one said anything so I walked around their stock but it took them about 20 minutes until one of their staff recognised the man in the tracksuit!”

His wife Monique decided to film a short clip at the time to demonstrate how empty the showroom was and to show what her husband was wearing.

Matt Fiddes was popstar Michael Jackson's bodyguard earlier in his career. (Image: Matt Fiddes)

After still not being served, she approached the staff to inform them that the couple had been waiting for almost half an hour.

Once recognised, the staff were attentive to the 43-year-old, who had already made up his mind regarding the possible purchase.

“They had two sales staff over me like a rash but because of this I never bought one and I will buy elsewhere,” he said.

Matt saw the funny side, realising it was his tracksuit that may have caused the issue.

“I said to my wife that no one was going to take me seriously when I am dressed like this,” he told the Adver.

“I could have bought the cars and the building,” he remarked.

Matt and his wife Monique still reside in Wiltshire and the couple visited the showroom together. (Image: Matt Fiddes)

“It’s human nature to judge people by how they look or dress and we are all guilty of it!”

Despite the flashy car shopping, Matt insists he and his wife are very down to earth with their lifestyles.

The couple, who now live in Tiverton, Devon, with Fiddes running his own martial arts school.

“I’m just a martial arts guy who lives in Swindon and my wife shops at Primark,” he said.

“I just wanted to buy a Ferrari for me and my wife as summer is coming up.”

Matt Fiddes has been on television several times and has met several celebrities through his work such as Simon Cowell. (Image: Matt Fiddes)

Adrian Burke, experience manager at Dick Lovett Swindon, said: “I can confirm that Mr Fiddes visited our dealership on Saturday.

“Upon arrival, Mr Fiddes was initially greeted by our Showroom Host, and following a brief delay due to high levels of showroom traffic, one of our Sales Team spoke to him about a selection of our Ferrari Approved range of cars.

“Dick Lovett prides itself on maintaining a consistently high level of customer service for anyone who visits our showroom, regardless of their appearance or clothing.

Matt Fiddes with his first Ferrari at the age of 20 years old. (Image: Matt Fiddes)

Matt did stay and talk with the staff as they guided him through different options but he had to leave due to other commitments.

“I had to shoot off for an event so I left but I have nothing against him as they were lovely,” he said.

“I am still planning to pick up a car and I haven’t ruled them out as I have bought cars with them before.

“We haven’t been able to drive as much with the Covid pandemic and all the lockdowns so I’m looking forward to the summer.”