Eds Eramiha ' SHE WAS MY ROCK '

The vegas star is still reco vering from the loss of his grandmother 

On a show like Celebrity Treasure Island, where famous Kiwi castaways push themselves to their mental and physical limits to win $100,000 for their favourite charity, actor and former Muay Thai fighter Eds Eramiha is a strong contender - literally!

The 35-year-old film and TV star, who played the leading role of gang leader Kingi Duncan in the 2021 show Vegas, worked with a trainer to pack on a muscular 25 kilos for the part, and coming into Treasure Island, he is in the best physical shape of his life.

"It was a good challenge," smiles Eds, who is of Ngāpuhi descent. "Before Vegas, I only had six weeks to gain the weight, so my coach had me eating 3500 calories every day.

 

"In the first week, I was spewing, I was going white, my coach almost had to force-feed me, but I got used to it. I went from 80 to 105 kilos, which is the size I wanted to be for the role," says Eds, adding that even when he isn't working out for a part, exercise is a key part of his life, for more than its physical benefits.

"Training is the number-one healer for me and my mental health," shares The Dead Lands star. "It's what keeps my mind safe and my thoughts clear."