HERO morning after
Morning all. Hope you enjoyed last night if you watched the show. I’m travelling home from a night at the Premier Inn at Leeds Bradford airport, where we were royally looked after throughout our wrap party in the affiliated Beefeater until godknowswhen by the wonderful Christian and Claire who should have been home in bed.
Like to think I stayed in the room that Lenny Henry uses when he’s passing through.
I’ve yet to see the final show and hope to catch it tonight. Bumbled through the live links and only had one moment of my life flashing before my eyes when I briefly completely forgot what to say. Not sure if it registered.
Making ‘Hero’ (as all the cool kids call it) was such a joy. Matt is sensational, and I understand his Facebook friends quotient rocketed during the show once his full name was mentioned. We’ve become good friends too. He and Liv are a very lovely couple.
The challenge for us was fitting everything into a seventy-minute show. The changes were manifold and there was much more story to tell. What you see is obviously very trimmed and edited and squashed into the time allotment. Reading the flurry on Twitter last night there was clearly a small percentage people who just refused to accept any of it, which is shame but of course completely inevitable. Some insisted Matt and Liv had to be actors. It’s impossible to please everyone, but I can certainly assure anyone questioning that sort of thing that I don’t use actors in that way, and it would be stupid to do so, as I’d have to find, kill or silence all their friends, families and acquaintances too.
It has been a real joy making the show. So often TV can be a cynical and joyless business, and to do something that feels worthwhile is a rare treat. And to go to such lengths for one person is so exciting. I was and am so proud of Matt, and meant what I said to him at the end.
It has been very heartwarming reading your responses to the show, particularly from people who have taken something personal from it, which was of course the hope behind the project. I chose Matt because he represents all of us. As many of you have asked how he is, he’ll be the first to tell you he’s a happy, changed man and currently sorting out a new place and career options. I spoke to him right after the show and he loved it. And he got over his fear of flying too, just in case anyone thought I had made it a thousand times worse…
Hi Derren
I’ve been a fan for years and your book has provided me with food for thought as well as a laugh. I’ve managed to miss you on tour, but always catch the TV shows.
I’m a confirmed skeptic of most things, most recently the marketing pull of positive psychology, which strikes me in much the same way as mediums, tarot readers and spiritualists.. So thanks for keeping the critical thinking skills of people everywhere alive and well!
Karen
What an amazing TV programme that was. Well done Matt , he truly is a hero.
Hi Derren,
I absolutley loved the show last night. It was fantastically well thought out and I was totally hooked. I thought it was brilliant that you helped Matt discover his potential. He looked like a really nice guy who totally deserved the experience. I LOVED the alligator metaphor – FANTASTIC.
Well done, I can’t wait for the next one…
Simon.
brilliant work Derren. Brilliant. Like you say – a combination not just of pure entertainment and awe, but something uplifting that everyone can take something away from. Quite a rare programme combination. I am fascinated by all the bits that took place during the month that we DIDN’T see -perhaps you’ll find time to share some of that on your blog. But either way, a TV show I hope you feel justifiably proud of..
Thanks Derren. I took a lot from the show. I was watching twitter throughout- a lot of ppl seem to think that the purpose of your shows is A/ to entertain and/or B/ to ‘freak people out’ or disturb them. I don’t believe this is the case, rather that you are attempting to encourage the best in us, by showing us examples of extreme behaviour, or psychoanalytic techniques, or situational things, as in last night.
Feedback: The ’30 days’ was brief, considering- & gave the impression that Matt was in on it, due to the quick edit. Also, I don’t believe in hypnosis, heightened states or not. Thirdly, we hadn’t seen Matt in his normal ‘rut’ of a life, so comparing ‘changed’ with ‘old Matt’ was difficult.
But I think that misses the point: the sentiment was revelatory and life affirming. Thanks
You can put me on the list of those that found last night’s special to be enjoyable. Very intriguing and very thought provoking. To me, the special was exactly that – special. It made me think “why didn’t I do that sort of thing 15/20 years ago – and what can I do now?”
One wee thing – in that final sequence when Matt was landing the plane was it wrong for me to expect someone to come out with a quote from Airplane? Must’ve just been me, then.
Excellent show as usual, Derren. You completely astound with everything you do and I absolutely can’t wait for more shows from you! And I didn’t notice you forgetting what to say so don’t worry. It’s amazing how much you changed Matt’s life and the lived of us watching.
Thanks Derren you have inspired the nation for definite this time. You are an exceedingly excellent guy one whom I particularity wish I actually knew one-to-one. You did a great job of the show and I think all the people who didn’t like it just don’t understand it. If only you could set the record straight and explain it in every little detail they’d fall of their chairs in awe. Maybe one day you will but I don’t think that’s necessary because either way it works for the people who don’t understand and for the people that do. They both get their kicks from it. Also I can’t wait to get a peek at the Enigma tour too I never got to see it unfortunately. Best Wishes. Mark
Thank you
You really are a magical person, and I hope one day I might be able to help people enjoy life to the full like you’ve done (and I’m sure will continue to do).
Nice one.
Excitement over apathy any day.
I found the show thought-provoking, inspirational and dare I say, quite touching/moving in parts. I really enjoyed watching how Matt reacted to the situations thrown at him (particularly loved his reaction at almost being caught in the policeman’s house) and how he became a much stronger person because of it.
Take no notice of the non-believers, cynics, moaners, whatever you like to call them, Derren. As far as I’m aware they are the minority and most of us simply revelled in a really wonderful 75 minutes of television.
Well done to all involved. 🙂
Take care
LC x
I loved the show and have a slight doubt about the authenticity, only because it was unbelievably brilliant. It was funny right way through until the point Matt came out of Cockpitt and thought he had been “pranked”, though he took it well.
On anouther note, how did Matt get away with not paying for taxi, and just a handshake? .. Thats some magic i need to learn.
P.S. Please keep walky talkys away from my bed.
I’ve a friend who works on lifestyle makeover shows and his counter to the idea that they are exploitative is that he gets to see how genuine the effect is that the shows have on the individuals involved.
I went a bit at the end, I don’t mind admitting. That’s twice you’ve done that to me now…
This was an imaginative, warm and funny show, as they invariably are. The problem is that if there are a few elements of clear illusion, sleight of hand or even critical editing, they can undermine all the genuine business of the show. There’s no way, for example, Matt’s safety would have been risked on the train track and no way the chance would have been taken to allow him to escape from that situation so late. But unless you demonstrate how *that* was done, the viewer’s instinct is to call into question the honesty of everything else they see and – especially post-lottery show – try to see the joins and spot the tricks. It’s a shame, because before the lottery show these brilliant shows were taken much more at face value and enjoyed for what they were.
I loved every minute of the show and cried like a baby at the end. it was wonderful seeing Matt change in such a positive way. I’m a transformational coach and hypnotherapist and last night reconfirmed to me why I enjoy my job so much. You were clearly proud of Matt, don’t forget to be proud of yourself too x
Great show Derren….
My Gf, a big non believer (but yet believes random psychics and mediums) found it hard to believe the sleeping but walking around stages…. and stormed out. Could that be explained ? was it part hypnosis? That seems to be the bit a lot of people struggle with.
Loved the show and good luck to Matt!
I hear 2 planes had a near miss yesterday night! Hope it wasnt you! ; )
It’s been quite an amusing day so far, arguing online with people over whether or not it was real.
Having been in the selection group of 160 people in July, I can safely say that Matt was genuine.
Wekk, either that or in a month’s time Derren is going to expose 100+ people from that group that we have all been conditioned by him, and that everyone around us is an actor!
Darren brown is bloody amazimg!!! That was the best thing i have seen on tv…. truely inspiring 🙂
It has made me wanna look at my own life and make it better….
darren brown your my hero hahha 😉
Hi Derren, I think there were lots of continuity errors that led many people to think it was staged – which may be a result if editing constraints. Maybe you could clear them up for disbelievers? Things such as why in the ‘croc’ sequence was it raining your side and not Matt’s? Also, when his phone was stolen, and seeing he works in insurance, would he not have had to contact the real police to get a reference number for an insurance claim? And, really, he wore GStar pretty much every day for a month!
There seems to be lots of other little issues that made us think ‘really…’ – but we’re all fans so I’m sure you can explain them? Best wishes.
I thought you once again triumphed in doing something utterly awe inspiring. I cant even begin to imagine all the work you put into all that you did. I just hope you know how pretty damn cool you are!
I saw you a few years ago at your An evening of wonders tour and your still being exceptional, keep doing what you do!
well done on the show derren it was amazing as usual,i actually had a tear in my eye when matt stood up and offered to land the plane. u never fail to amaze me with your talents, all these people who think it was fake and u use actors ect will always think these things unless its them or some1 they know persoanally who is appearing in show. i know you dont use actors and u go to alot of effort to pick someone who is right for the show but these people dont appreciate that.
once again derren i wanna say well done for a fantastic show and for changing matts life, i love everything about you (dont worry not in that way lol) keep up the good work ill always support what u do, and i have also had the pleasure of being in your company you are such a great guy , love and hugs to you derren xx
A quality show again, Derren.
And regardless of the methods used (I’m not a “doubter”, for what it’s worth), I wholly applaud the intent and message behind the show.
Too often TV is exploitative and cynical, and this was the opposite.
However, I do wonder whether your choice of Twitter hashtag (#DerrenBrownHero) is a not-so-subtle attempt by you to use your other-wordly thought-fiddling techniques to raise you even further up to the status of demi-god, where bronze statues of you will be erected in your name all across the country.
No?
😉
I watched it this morning and loved it. It really inspired me.
It’s a shame that some people are so insecure with the way other people see them that they have to refuse to believe it. It’s their loss though.
I throughly enjoyed last nights show, it was inspirational. Sitting watching it, parts of it touched me personally; parts about being determined, making something more of your life and enjoying life as you only do it once. You have already had a profound effect on my life as last year before I met you, from a distance and with no personal interaction I was inspired to take a firmer grip of my life and change things, which I am still working on. Through this I persevered to pass my 2nd year uni exams which I had originally failed due to illness and meeting you (a lot) last year drilled home to me that I can be determined about anything. This has been one of the best years of my life and I aim to make sure it stays that way. I’m glad so many people have been helped as well… thank you Xx
Dear Derren,
I loved the show last night, Matt was such an amazing guy and, I think it is safe to say, you have changed his life. Of course it is inevitable that there will be critics and they are perfectly entitled to their own opinion.
There was one moment when I thought you had gone a little senile, when you laid him across the train track, in a straight jacket, am thankful that it worked out to be safe, and everything was under-control.
It was a great ending too, with the 8/9/10 at 11:12 and then starting the countdown timer.
I would like to thank yourself once more, for a great 70 minute show, even if you did bumble through some of the live segments (by the way no-one noticed).
With Thanks,
Ben Goodes
Ignore the cynics. The show was both beautifully composed and truly life challenging. It made me realise that life is too short, and at the same time reaffirmed my long term goals.
A thousand times thank you!
All the best and see you next month.
Ryan. X
Derrern brown = Legend. Love this guy so much and yet again he didnt fail to disappoint! In fact Hero is probably one of his best shows yet! I seen him live last year in Belfast for Enigma, even got on stage and have to say was the best show id ever been to! Well Done Derren, Keep up the good work! Cant wait to see what u have up your sleave for us next!
p.s you smelt damn good that night! come visit me anytime! 😀
hey! i really enjoyed the show last nite. and matt is indeed amazing, so it came across! tho i would be very much the same, i pretty much keep myself to myself, work, come home, see friends etc, i dont have the confidence to do much out of the ordinary, but that made me think a lot abt things! very good! 🙂 xx
Matt is a very lucky man! not only have you affected his life in a positive way, but hes affected yours too. The was fantastic, difficult to grasp at some points but nevertheless thoroughly exilerating and captivating television. The bit with the train had me literally shouting at the tele, Matt was a lot more composed than i wouldve been!
is someone elses journey with you starting now, for another show in a month….or did the countdown mean all of our journeys have started, if we took away from the show what was intended?
p.s. your bumbling moment wasnt noticed at all by me….but i’ll be sure to 4OD and see if i can spot it now lol!
Thought Hero at 30,000 feet so uplifting (no pun, honest) think it should be required viewing for everyone – it was extraordinary to watch Matt undergo such a transformation from someone quite apathetic to a person of courage and positivity… I really envy his experience and am going to try and be a bit more tenacious and brave myself… Thanks Derren, you’re inspiring!
I think you’ve inspired my best friend to do a bungee jump – something he’s deathly afraid of.
Loved the show, watched it with a hypnotherapist friend who was trying to work out what techniques you use … as always hugely entertaining and nope, we didn’t notice any bumbled links.
Last nights show was great but i was wondering what would have happened if Matt had not stood up and taken over the plane, would that have been the end of the show? Also, i dont care what anyone says if you see smoke coming under a door you would not just sit there, you would at least try and get the attention of others in the room
I really liked the show, and I did find it inspirational, mostly for the demonstration how the techniques can be used to really benefit others, not just entertainment, which I am sure is how many view it.
Like you say not everyone will believe, and this is their right. I find there are three types of people. One will like everything you do, two will not believe and hate it, and three just don’t give a crap.
With the stuff I do, I just focus on group number one and sod the rest 🙂
Keep up the good work, your work is an inspiration.
Just caught this on 4OD………fantastic!!! I was gripped the whole way through. What a great idea, hopefully there is something for everyone to take away from that. It shows there is hope for us all. Really admire your work, and am looking forward to the next time I can see you live.
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As for the programme – take no notice of the naysayers Derren. The programme was truly awe inspiring. And I wonder how many other folks you inspired to start their own 30 day countdown.
In my brief few years as an Outward Bound instructor and expedition leader, I saw lots of much smaller examples of people exceeding their mostly self imposed limits in some really difficult situations.
The founder of OB, Kurt Hahn was right when he said
“We are all better than we know. If only we can be brought to realise this, we may never again settle for anything less.”
Your show was the uber-example of this, and great viewing. Thank you!
Jeremy Webb.
Great job, Derren. I loved the show. Keep up the good work!
the show was great.
Although i am a person that happily takes part i still took some motivation and realisation from it for my own good. (as should every open minded and self aware person who watched).
Very few people are strong enough and aware of themselves enough to go through there life without dipping in performance..
Well done to Matt.
Yay! I can tell Matt and Liv were genuine good people and I definately felt a lot of emotion last night seeing their reactions once it was over. cynics will always be cynics… never mind! Lots of love x
I watch all of your stuff on tv as i think your a total genius and would love to be involved so i sent off for an application form to take part in future shows and the reply back is just a trailer for Hero….. help?
Just from watching it I was so happy that I burst in to tears lol, so cant imagine how you felt! Well done! 🙂
Absolutely LOVE all your show’s/work, it get’s all the family sat down spending time together and all intrigued to see what you do next,
ignore the narrow minded people who won’t believe. You’re fun, ever so intelligent and seem like the sort of person we just all want to go for a pint with! even though.. it probably would be a never racking experience as we know what you can do!
hahaha 🙂
you amaze me, and i could only wish to see the world as you do!
ever used your skill to your advantage though?
like getting a date? or even evil >< haa just joking.
don't know whether you'll read this but i had to comment!
my brother's exactly the same as the guy last night and it was so strange to see the change!! lol
it can happen, yaay!
Love Love Love you and your work! take care!
xoxo
Wonderful and engaging stuff last night. To see someone change their lives around in 30 days is nothing short of spectacular and I have to say well done Darren for what was/is a totally altruistic piece of work. I’m sure the ripple effect on people who watched the show will never be known but if one person (other than Matt) takes a positive step or action after the show then it will have been worth it. In a society that relies of greed and self-centered values it is nice to know that a moral cores till exists in some people.
Darren I salute you and the rest of your team (that probably don’t get the recognition they deserve, other than from you) and I hope that Matt takes full advantage of this wonderful opportunity you enabled him to experience.
I heartily enjoyed Matt’s journey. It was fascinating to watch. I am trying to incorporate the principles shown to get me passed the massive problem I have getting my rare tumour removed from my right wrist. I have a Giant Cell Tumour of bone in my right wrist which has grown over the last 6 years to a size larger than a cricket ball. I am terrified of going into hospital form treatment as it will be along way from home, with no way for me to see my family and children during my treatment time. Ontop, no one has any idea how long the treatment or recovery will be. I hope that employing the techniques demonstrated during Matt’s journey will help me overcome this before I run out of time.
Truly inspiring. I wish Matt all the very best and will continue to bug you on twitter.
Regards,
Ross G
this was by far one of the most moving and positive moments to be witnessed, the inner feeling of this poor guys aura was paramount right from the start, the sort of guy that always craved for one thing in his life and yet sadly no idea how to achieve his goal. i know because i have been there. the true and most important action to take is to get out of your little comfort zone and then really start to live your life. it does seem at the time an impossible feat but guess what as you have all seen it is easily possible. the aligator is a good example, targetted on getting his food when he needs it, most important doing it without even thinking. i used to be so afraid of doing or trying anything but now all is completely different. things such as chat up a guy or girl now i have no fears.
I have just watched the programme, I cried all the way through as the old Matt is similar to myself, no confidence and today I just accepted a year contract in an office a job I dont want, but dont feel I am confident enough to be the teacher I would love to be, I wish I could embrace life like that, I have never left a message on one of these things before so I guess thats a start?! Great show
What an amazing show, so inspiring and uplifting, definately the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. I really identified with Matt, I’m sure like many people, and have definately taken something from this. Thanks Derren for another brilliant show, hope there’s more to come!
I really enjoyed it. It was both entertaining and inspirational, and anybody who’s making negative comments about it have obviously missed the point of the show, and should probably ask themselves why they bother being so cynical and grumpy. Ironically they’re the people who had the most to learn from last nights show.
I loved the show Derren and it really made me think about my life. I work in a call centre and I am stuck in a rut too and quite negative. I have decided to study law and try make a better career for myself as I hate where I am now. I thought it was a beautiful peice of television and I am afraid you will always get people who think you use actors for your shows. It has given me a push in the right direction so Thank you for that. Love always Judith xx