Eddie the Eagle meets fans in Wolverhampton
Eddie the Eagle landed in the Black Country to share tales of his inspirational life which saw him become Britain's first Olympic ski jumper in more than half a century – and the last.
Yet, despite his infectious personality and wacky charm shooting him to world fame at the 1988 Winter Olympics, he has spent most of his time since then plastering and decorating, he told the Express & Star.
Although, things have gotten busier since the film about his life, starring the likes of Hugh Jackman and Christopher Walken, was released last year.
Speaking at Perton Golf Club Eddie, whose real name is Michael Edwards, said: "I have been opening shopping centres, golf course, hotels and doing fundraisers ever since. Obviously when the Winter Olympics comes around things get busier again. But when things slow down I go back to plastering and building which keeps me fit and is always something to fall back on."
He added: "Things are really busy at the moment since the film. I'm doing five to ten events a week.
"It's great because the movie is telling my story to a whole younger audience. You would have to be at least 35 to 40 to remember what happened.
"Now people in their 20s, teenagers and kids know about my story which is really nice."
Eddie famously came last at the Calgary games but after overcoming the financial trappings of a humble upbringing in Gloucestershire as well as the snobbery and rejection of British Olympic selectors, he achieved his dream just by making it there.
Eddie was the guest of honour at a black tie evening to mark the 60th anniversary of Tettenhall Round Table.
President Richard Unwin said: "We're a social club for like-minded men who also do good work in the community. We like to say we do more than four men in a pub would do.
"We have lots of skiers at the round table so to have Eddie here has been fantastic."
