Two stars from Channel 5’s Big Brits Go Large series have gone viral after testing out popular theme parks to see if they’re “fat friendly”.
Jo Frost, 38, and Nat Forshaw, 44, are known for their stint on the show in May 2022, where they organised a plus-size bikini photoshoot.
The clothing brand owners dealt with backlash following the programme for “exploiting and promoting” bigger bodies.
But they’re unfazed by the comments and have continued over the years to create a safe space for people of all sizes, abilities and genders with their platform.
Now, they’ve taken to TikTok to review some of the most popular theme parks in the world and test if they’re “fat friendly” – with one video racking up 700,000 views and over 38,000 likes.
“So far, we’ve been to Drayton Manor twice, Flamingo Land and Disneyland,” Jo, from Manchester, told Luxury Travel Daily.
“The staff have been incredible at all destinations.
“We’ve openly asked them if we would fit prior to trying and they gave really good advice.
“I always feel so bad for them, because they’re so apologetic and it makes me feel like they get a lot of stick off people if they don’t fit.
“We’ve had teenage boys looking and giggling, but we just hold our heads high.
“It says more about them than it does about us.”
In their most popular review, they visit Flamingo Land.
Jo and Nat begin with sharing their UK dress sizes, a respective 28 and 24.
Jo notes she holds most of her weight around her bust and belly, with Nat holding it around her hips and bum.
Over the course of the video, they try out all the rides on offer – not making a fuss if they don’t happen to fit on any.
While Nat was able to go on the first roller coaster, despite it being a tight squeeze, Jo sadly wasn’t able to.
The next three were a complete no-go, but the fifth ride was an easy pass for Nat only.
Luckily, for the rest of the roller coasters – bar one – both found them a comfortable fit – and a lot of fun.
Jo said: “I love rides, and so does Nat, so it is disappointing when we don’t fit.
“However, we understand that it’s not personal.
“It’s not because of our bodies, it’s health and safety precautions – which we completely get.”
While Flamingo Land wasn’t a huge success, the pair couldn’t praise Drayton Manor enough.
Nat said: “It was fantastic.
“Most of the rides have lap bars, but even the overhead ones were quite generous.
“I got on everything that I physically could try, but there were a couple that I needed to jump up on the seat for – which was a struggle.”
Jo said: “Disneyland was very plus-size friendly, as I even fit on most rides with the overheard harness.
“It’s great to actually be able to join in with the thrillseekers and go on some of the bigger rides.”
The pair, who met in 2014, will visit Alton Towers twice next month, along with one Blackpool trip and next year, they’ll do Thorpe Park, Oakwood, Lightwater Valley, Chessington and Paultons Park.
For now, though, they’re focusing on creating an inclusive community, as well as clothes, to help put an end to harsh trolls who comment on their, and other people’s, bodies.
While they’re understanding and not fussed about the size restrictions on theme park rides, they believe more needs to be done.
Jo added: “In an ideal world, we would love for there to be tester seats at the entrance of every ride, but we understand that this is expensive and a lengthy process.
“We also ask that on their websites where they have height restrictions, that they provide a little more information about the harnesses and fastenings.
“For example, if I know a ride has an overhead harness, I have no chance, so I wouldn’t waste time queueing for it.
“Over 95% of our community online have told us that they actively avoid taking their kids to theme parks for fear of not fitting.
“They should be able to make memories with their kids.
“We want people to treat us as humans, not as lesser beings because we carry extra weight.
“You are allowed to live your life how you want to and to exist in your own skin without judgement from others.
“You’re no less worthy than anybody else, as worth is not measured by our body size, belts, scales or if we can fit into a chair.
“If someone has a problem, then they’re the one with the issue.”
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