The Naked Truth's Jake tells us how meeting Gok Wan has made him hold his head up high...


Anyone who watched Gok's Teens: The Naked Truth would have been touched by Jake's story.

Described as a "gentle giant" by Gok Wan, 6'9" Jake has a condition called Klinefelter's Syndrome that makes him particularly tall and heavy, which left him painfully shy and reluctant to go out. In the show we saw Jake meet Gok and his kickboxing brother Kwoklyn who helped him find the confidence to be proud of his size and use it to his advantage.

We caught up with Jake to find out how life has changed since.

What was life like before you met Gok?

I wasn't happy like I am now, I didn't have friends to talk to, I wouldn't go out. I was just stuck at home with my mum and dad. I was really upset about it, I wasn't having fun. I just didn't have any confidence because of my height and size.

And then you met Gok...

Yeah, I was worried about going on TV and having negative comments and people to deal with, but I soon realised it was OK. I was a bit nervous in front of the camera, but when I met Gok I was so excited. The best thing though was meeting his brother. He's not tall like me, but he's heavy and he gave me some great advice about using it to my advantage. And that's what I've been doing, I've been going out and standing out.

How do you feel about standing out?

A lot happier, I just keep my head up and smile!

During and after the show we noticed that the social networks were going crazy for you, how does it feel to have fans?!

It makes me feel good. I have Facebook and people were writing really nice comments. Now I'm confident I have friends, it's just so good to know what people will accept me.

What else did you enjoy about being on the show?

Aside from meeting Gok and Kwoklyn, I really liked that they showed me baking. I love baking, in the future I want to open my own bakery.

Has life now changed for the better?

Yes, I have a new life, more friends, people come and talk to me.I accept my size if I go to a new place. I'm positive not negative.

If you could offer other teens with confidence issues advice what would it be?

Just be yourself and don't let others take advantage. People always used to take advantage of me because I'm taller, so now I just stay strong and keep my head high.

I'd also like to raise more awareness about my condition, nobody talks about it - in fact some people don't even realise they have it; I was 15 when I found out I did. I was having problems with reading at school because they didn't pick up on it, which is why I got into baking. Good job really though, because I love it!

 

We're so happy that Jake has finally found the confidence and happiness he deserves and wish him massive luck for the future. (If you want to send us some bread and cakes, Jake, then that's fiiiine.)

To find out more about Jake's condition, visit Klinefelter's Syndrome Association