An 11-year-old schoolgirl from Edinburgh is enjoying a taste of internet fame after one of her TikTok videos was shared by Khloé Kardashian.
Carly and her dad, Ryan, have racked up millions of views for their light-hearted comedy and cooking clips – some have even called Carly “the next Alison Hammond.”
It all started during lockdown, when the Pilton pair began filming sketches at home.
“Through lockdown we started making videos in the house, like dances, sketches,” said Carly. “There were a few videos that went viral and that’s how it started.”
Ryan added: “I got involved to make Carly happy at the start, thinking nobody would see them – but then they got busier. Her mum started posting them on Facebook – that was it. Everyone was relying on them during lockdown.”
The videos are now part of their daily routine, with catchphrases they’ve now become known for – including ‘Jimmy Boy’ and ‘hello, my lovelies’.
“We do a packed lunch and ‘outfit of the day’ video,” Carly said. “Then I’ll come home and sometimes do a dance one. Then we do a ‘Pilton Tea’ and a ‘get ready for bed’ TikTok.”
As their audience grew, their home-cooked dinners became a hit, especially a chicken wrap clip which Khloé Kardashian reposted, sending it past 12 million views.
“It was a bit surreal,” said Ryan. “It went a bit mad, and people with blue ticks were reposting it. I said, ‘You’re getting really popular now.’ And it didn’t slow down.”
Carly said she burst into tears when she saw the A-lister had shared their post.
“We did a reaction video – I started crying, as it was shocking. I’d never expect someone like that to comment, repost, or even like my video.”
When asked what she thought Khloé might eat, Carly joked: “Probably a posh tea – steak and caviar on the side with fancy sauce and dips.”
Ryan added: “Carly’s TikTok is so popular, you don’t always notice when someone shares it. It’s only when someone else brings it up that it catches your attention. I told her mum in the morning, and we showed her when she got back from school. I could feel my eyes well up too – I said, ‘Don’t get me started greetin’!’”
STV NewsDespite the attention, Carly says the fame still hasn’t quite sunk in – though they’re getting used to being recognised in public.
“There was a boy from Canada who came over to us. I thought we did something wrong – then he started talking about the videos. I was surprised.
“People come up in shops, and in school they shout ‘hello my lovelies!’ into my classroom.”
Ryan added: “We’re just average people and people in the street want photos. Sometimes they shout ‘Jimmy’ at me – they think it’s my real name.”
With millions of views and fans worldwide, Carly’s internet fame looks set to continue.
She’s now signed to a talent agency and has been invited to film premieres in London – something she hopes will help her future career.
“I was invited by Universal to a premiere – that’s crazy! It’s so cool, the chances it brings.
“I’d love to open a youth work centre and do drama classes when I’m older.
“I would love TV presenting too. John Mackay, I’ll be coming for your job!”
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