Digital Media Centre

FOUR-YEAR-OLD VIRAL NUGGET FAN LANDS DREAM ROLE AS ALDI’S OFFICIAL NUGGET TASTER

10 February, 2026

• Rory Smith captured hearts online after a video of him crying over a stolen chicken nugget went viral
• Rory joins Aldi’s nationwide competition winner Lorna Funnell, 35, to taste and review the supermarket’s chicken nugget range
• Over 164 million chicken nuggets flew off Aldi’s shelves last year, proving the UK’s love for the crispy classic[1]

Four-year-old Rory Smith from Tividale, West Midlands, has turned a tearful viral moment into a dream job role as Aldi’s Nugget Taster.

Rory first shot to fame after a video of him in tears went viral when his dad, Tom, stole a chicken nugget from his box at a Wolverhampton Wanderers game. The clip, which captured the young fan’s heartbroken reaction, quickly spread across social media, with parents and nugget lovers alike sharing sympathy and delight.

Just days before Rory’s viral moment, Aldi launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Nugget Taster, celebrating the nation’s love of the crispy classic with over 164 million chicken nuggets flying off Aldi’s shelves in the past year alone.

When the supermarket spotted Rory’s video, they knew they had found a perfect fit and immediately offered him a special ‘mini nugget tasting’ role.

Rory, who also lives with mum Claire, and sister Ferne, aged 8, will help to taste-test Aldi’s much-loved chicken nugget range and give his thumbs up on his favourite product.

Rory’s dad, Tom Smith, a Tree Surgeon, said: “The response to the video has been incredible. Rory is delighted to be an official chicken nugget taster, it means lots more nuggets for him, and none for me. I’ll definitely think twice before stealing one again.”

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “We had only just launched our search for our first official Nugget Taster when we saw Rory’s video, and it felt like perfect timing. His love for nuggets really struck a chord with people across the UK. We’re delighted to be replacing his stolen nugget tenfold.”

Rory will be joined by Lorna Funnell, 35, from Buxted, East Sussex, who secured her place after beating hundreds of applicants to Aldi’s nationwide competition.  Judges were impressed with Lorna’s passion for nuggets, claiming she is already the chief nugget taster and buyer in her household, and a huge fan of both veggie and chicken varieties.

Mum of one Lorna said: “I’m a huge nugget fan, so being an official taster really is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get stuck in. I’ll be saving the Love Nuggets for Valentine’s Day.”

Rory and Lorna will be giving their verdicts on flavour, crunch, texture and overall enjoyment of Aldi’s range of chicken nuggets, including Oakhurst Chicken Nuggets with Dips (£1.79, 300g) and Roosters Chicken Nuggets in Breadcrumbs (£1.65, 450g).

Aldi is also returning its popular Share the Love ‘Love Nuggets’ with Date Ketchup (£2.99, 350g), which land in stores from 11^th February as part of the Valentine’s Day range. Priced at just £2.99, the heart-shaped bites have already proven a fan favourite.

Aldi’s range of chicken nuggets are available in stores now with the Love Nuggets landing in stores from 11^th February while stocks last.

[1] Aldi sales data Jan 2025 – Dec 2025