By Dionne Meehan
WITH 2023 now a distant memory for many of us, it was not a year that will be easily forgotten for Downing’s man Eric Roberts.
From appearing on Netflix’s hit show ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ to stepping down from his job as a Special Needs Assistant, Eric’s showbiz career well and truly went from strength to strength in 2023.
Spiralling to fame from uploading videos on the social media platform ‘TikTok’, Eric found himself met with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as flying to Australia with JD Sports to present the Women’s World Cup as well as a recent trip to South Africa.
Not forgetting his marriage to his beautiful wife Niamh in August last year. Describing these highlights as the “peaks” of 2023, Eric said week to week there has been nearly too many incredible things to talk about.
And he plans to keep the same momentum in 2024.
“I have had a year that most people would only dream of having.
“When I left my job I suppose it was quite scary and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go but for it to have gone as well as it has gone has been just a total blessing and I am very grateful and very aware of the position that I am in. Last year I was just along for the ride and taking the opportunities as they came.
“I am hoping I continue to get amazing opportunities but I suppose I have a bit of a plan in place now to progress as best I can,” he said.
Sitting down ahead of the New Year, Eric compiled a list of what he wishes to accomplish in 2024.
One of which, is a children’s book.
While working as an SNA, Eric put pen to paper and wrote a book based essentially on inclusion.
“Working as an SNA a lot of the students I worked with were on the spectrum, were Down Syndrome or had Cerebral Palsy.
“Writing a book that sheds a light on that and kind of brings it into the mainstream is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I will be doing that hopefully early this year.
“The first one is going to be all about inclusion and then I am hoping to write a few more and each book will be specific to one additional need essentially. It will be a fun, light hearted read that parents can read with their kids or they can read in school,” he said.
Beyond that, Eric is hoping to get more regular presenting slots on TV along with some radio slots.
“Then I am going to do the cliché marathon,” he laughed.
Already having started his training, Eric is preparing to jet off to Barcelona where he will be participating in a half marathon.
Now four days into dry January, Eric said this year there will be less drinking and more training.
“I was thrown into this influencer lifestyle and a lot of the events, more often than not, you are promoting a drink.
“Just to prepare for the marathon, I am doing dry January,” he said.
And lastly, Eric’s final New Year’s resolution is to be as happy as what he was in 2023.
“That is kind of the main goal,” he concluded.
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