Romford's own Elvis tribute act said he remains in “dire straits”, as he awaits an update on new accommodation after a fire in his flat.

Kevin Elsbury, 64, known for his Market Place performances as ‘Kelvis’, was made temporarily homeless after a blaze sparked by an air fryer engulfed part of his home. 

Since the incident, on November 8, Mr Elsbury has stayed in a hotel and with a friend before being moved into a Travelodge by Havering Council on Saturday, November 12.

Mr Elsbury said that he is now due to move into another Travelodge, above the Quadrant in Romford, until next Friday (25), at which point his building insurance should be putting him up in a new place until his flat has been cleaned up. 

He expects it will take a couple of months before he can move back into his home. 

“It’s been very, very hard at the moment,” Mr Elsbury said. 

“It’s something anyone could have done without.” 

He added he has had to fork out £800 so far, for one night in a hotel when the fire broke out and for the week in the Quadrant, though he is hopeful his building insurance will cover him. 

Romford Recorder: Kevin Elsbury is well-known around Romford for performing Elvis songs as 'Kelvis'Kevin Elsbury is well-known around Romford for performing Elvis songs as 'Kelvis' (Image: Dara Khaled)

A fundraiser was recently started to help Mr Elsbury find temporary accommodation. However, now he knows he is covered by his building insurance, he said he intends on giving any money to a homeless charity or a food bank. 

For now, he said he remains “a bit in dire straits”, but that once he is sorted, he hopes to get back to performing. 

“We will put on a big show and will have a good cheers to everyone, whatever happens,” he added.

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