A beloved Romford Elvis impersonator has said he is “shaken up” after a fire in his flat left him temporarily homeless. 

Kevin Elsbury, 64, is well-known in Romford for his Market Place performances as 'Kelvis'. Donning his Elvis wig and suit, he can regularly be seen performing some of the King of Rock’s biggest hits "to make people happy". 

But Mr Elsbury said he was grateful to be alive after his Romford flat was damaged in a fire in his kitchen on Tuesday (November 8). 

Mr Elsbury said that, while resting in his front room after having lunch out at a local café, he was woken by “a big ball of fire” after the air fryer in his kitchen blew up. 

After attempting to put it out, first with water and then a blanket, Mr Elsbury said he ran out into the street. Thankfully, a passer-by was able to call 999, with emergency services turning up shortly afterwards.

“At least I have come out alive,” he said. “I was in the front room resting and then all of a sudden, I smelt fire.” 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed it was called at 12.56pm, with the fire under control by 1.43pm. 

While unhurt, Mr Elsbury said his flat is filled with smoke, and appliances such as his boiler and fridge in his kitchen have “had it”.

Romford Recorder: Kevin dressed up as ElvisKevin dressed up as Elvis (Image: Dara Khaled)

Mr Elsbury said he is due to be put up in a Travelodge by Havering Council on Friday (November 11), though is unsure how long that arrangement will last. 

Before moving into the Travelodge, Mr Elsbury has had to stay with a friend. 

“I have got good friends around me, which is good,” he said. 

He is in the process of dealing with his insurance companies, but says that until he is sorted out, “I can’t do any Elvis or anything like that.” 

In an effort to support Mr Elsbury, a resident and town ambassador for Romford BID, Tony Prosser, has set up a fundraiser to help clean up his flat and pay for temporary accommodation. 

“Really, he just needs to get himself some more clothes, and more than anything, get the flat cleaned and a hotel for a couple of nights,” he said. 

Mr Prosser described Mr Elsbury as “very, very well thought of”, and someone who “loves Romford”. 

“He always wants to help everyone else, he really does,” Mr Prosser said. “He tries to get involved in a lot of charities. He never charges money when he does Elvis in the market.” 

As he works out his next steps, Mr Elsbury said he is relieved that “I seem to be alright,” though added: “I am very shaken up. I didn’t want this to happen.” 

To contribute to the fundraiser, visit Mr Prosser’s GoFundMe page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-help-romfords-own-elvis-get-back-on-his-feet 

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