A celebrity from Swindon is aiming to give the town a voice after landing a regular panellist role at GB News.

Matt Fiddes rose to fame being pop king Michael Jackson’s bodyguard, while also building a fitness business, and claims to have more than 1,000 schools across the world. 

In his latest venture, he has landed a regular panellist role on the GB News television network, starring on Nana Akua’s Saturday afternoon show.

Making his first appearance on September 9, the black belt in taekwondo, kickboxing and kung-fu promised to highlight the big social issues affecting the people of his home town.

Swindon Advertiser: Matt recently appeared on Nana Akua's Saturday show.Matt recently appeared on Nana Akua's Saturday show. (Image: Matt Fiddes)

“I love Swindon and it will always be special to me,” he said.

“I am aware of the regular problems and social issues affecting Swindon and Wiltshire such as the lack of housing, cost of living and scarcity of jobs.

“I realise I am in a fortunate place in life but that position has given me a platform to speak out and I will do all I can to put Swindon and Wiltshire on the national stage.

“The lack of good full-time jobs is worrying. I am expanding my companies and will be offering so many careers to the people of Swindon. 

“We need to be able to attract more big businesses into the region for one thing.”

Swindon Advertiser: Matt Fiddes appeared alongside Lizzie Cundy.Matt Fiddes appeared alongside Lizzie Cundy. (Image: GB News)

The 44-year-old, said to be worth £120 million, is also particularly keen to raise the housing problem in the county.

“The lack of affordable housing is shocking especially with so many second homes staying empty for months at a time,” he said.

“Some families are being put up in Travelodges because there is nowhere for them to go.

“Landlords are getting out due to the interest rate hikes the highest they have been in 15 years and this can’t be right.

“I’m trying to work with councils to offer affordable housing options for young families.”

Swindon Advertiser: Matt was pop sensation Michael Jackson's bodyguard.Matt was pop sensation Michael Jackson's bodyguard. (Image: Matt Fiddes)

Matt recently helped a self-employed hairdresser who was left homeless after her home was put up for sale.

He gave the 36-year-old and her family one of his rental homes at a discounted rent.

“These are the issues that matter to the people of Swindon, I don’t want people to be homeless,” he said.

“If I can give the people of Swindon and Wiltshire a voice it has to be a good thing.”

You can catch Matt representing the town on GB News between 4pm and 6pm on Saturdays.