Patrick McBride: Fireman named new Milk Tray Man for Cadbury's TV advert
The 39-year-old from Liverpool won the role over 20,000 people after he performed a rescue lift at the audition
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Patrick McBride has been named as the new Milk Tray Man for the Cadbury’s chocolate box advert with the iconic tagline. McBride, who has been with the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for 14 years, won the role over 20,000 people after he performed a rescue lift at the audition.
So he’s likely to make hearts melt?
“I decided to put my full fire kit on and asked if anyone minded a fireman’s lift, and presented a box of Milk Tray,” said the 39-year-old, from Liverpool. The senior brand manager at Mondelez International, Hortense Foult Rothenburger, said McBride had the qualities of the new Milk Tray Man which is “someone that is thoughtful as well as adventurous”.
Will he wear the black polo neck?
The plot of the advert in which McBride delivers the chocolate is yet to be revealed but the famous ensemble is a near certainty. He said he thought his wife would be “pleased” to be married to the Milk Tray Man.
Bit different to fighting fires, isn’t it?
Not for McBride who has done some modelling alongside the fire service. But he admitted he might receive some banter from his colleagues. "You can't get away with very much in a fire station. I'd expect some playful banter ... maybe the odd poster up. Maybe they'll come to work wearing black polo necks."
Does he have big shoes to fill?
Well it is a favourite advert which is regularly voted as one of the best. There have been six people to play the Milk Tray Man since 1968, including James Coombes, who filled the role in 1987. Mr Coombes said McBride was the perfect successor. "He’s incredibly genuine and I'm confident he will make the perfect modern-day hero and one I'm very proud to be handing over my duties to.”
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