‘McMillionaire’ goes back to burger flipping

A LOTTERY winner has chosen to go back to his old job — serving burgers at fast food chain McDonald’s.

Luke Pittard, 25, initially claimed he would stay working at the Cardiff branch after sharing a £1.3m lottery jackpot with his girlfriend, Emma, 18 months ago.

The pair, who met at the McDonald’s restaurant in Pontprennau, soon changed their minds, however, and decided instead to enjoy life at home.

But Mr Pittard, who married his 29-year-old partner in November at Cardiff’s Hilton Hotel, has now decided to return to his old job part-time — earning just £87.75 a week for 15 hours’ work.

Dubbed the McMillionaire, Mr Pittard said: “I loved my work at McDonald’s before I won the money, and I’m really enjoying being back again.

“To be honest, there’s only so much relaxing you can do. I’m only young and a bit of hard work never did anyone any harm.”

His wife said she can “totally understand” his desire to work, and added: “We both really enjoyed working at McDonald’s and still have good friends there, so it was really familiar for him and something for him to look forward to.”

McDonald’s Pontprennau business manager Katherine Jones said she was pleased to have her old employee back.

“Luke was always a great member of our team and when he won the lottery we were all so pleased for him. I’m glad he has had the time to enjoy his winnings, but we’re also really happy that he has chosen to come back to us.

“He was a good friend to everyone and he’s fitted back into the job without any problem.”

Mr Pittard said he had been back in work for two weeks and was not regretting the decision. Customers said they admired Mr Pittard for returning to work, but would not have done the same themselves.