Former Gangster Who Worked For The Krays Opens Up On His Life | Extraordinary Lives |

In this episode we sat down with Chris Lambrianou, former gangster, who worked with the Kray twins and was involved in the murder of notorious East End gangster Jack "The Hat" McVitie.
Chris told us about his childhood, his way into crime, what it was like to deal with the Krays and how the prison has completely transformed his childhood to life.
This is an episode of Extraordinary Lives, where we speak to people with a unique life story to tell. From a North Korea escapee to an undercover cop, a Cold War spy to a shipwreck survivor.
Hosted by LADbible's Ben-Powell Jones, this series is a window into remarkable experiences - with stories that paint a picture of extraordinary lives.
Extraordinary Lives is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/minuteswith and get on your way to being your best self.
Thanks to Chris for taking part!
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[@masonplayzforyoutube3983]

What a true gentleman Chris is and such a powerful story of life

[@cbarclay99]

Good to hear someone debunking the myth of the Krays.

[@martinbuchan9432]

Exactly, not fall of bravado, just an honest bloke👍

[@richardingamells7213]

​​​​@@martinbuchan9432 A mix of bravado bullyboy thuggery & the "we was decent sorta fellas who didn't harm kids or women". "We also done a lot for charity". "I knocked out six 24 st geezers in 5 minutes blah blah" bullcrap. Chris comes across truly modest & sincere. Doesn't glorify crime or pretend he was nice guy yet explains in depth what led him down the wrong path. I've read his autobiography & as a rule don't usually read this kind of material. Very interesting to see how he changed when incarcerated. Even turning to religion

[@teagunn]

Great interview. Love his frankness and honesty. You are a great listener and let the interviewee speak without interruption. Wishing you great success. 😊

[@Chris-gq7zu]

Was a good interview but no one knows how honest he is or not

[@paulcougan4548]

Doesn't matter how old you are, when your mum dies the glue that held everyone goes and A mental nightmare begins

[@TomFooleryTheAustere]

Very true words. My mum died when I was 23. It was 20 years of chaos following. Still, I’m one of the lucky ones that found a way out of the mental maze, but the pain never really goes, it only fades.

[@sheeshburger-go4qd]

I felt this way when my grandma passed, too. she was my moms mom

[@ridestolenbmx100]

I’m 27 and lost my mom a month ago, April 16. Hardest month of my life, I really hope it gets easier. Unfortunately she was the person I was the closest to in this world, I never knew what it truly felt like to be alone until she passed.

[@nerd26373]

We learn so much from this channel. Their content so much meaningful insight.

[@justanothergrunt9053]

Ooga ooga

[@mrkipling2201]

I've seen a few of his podcast interviews and what strikes me the most is his loyalty and values. You have to remember that it was a different time after the war. I was a carer for a lovely bloke who was born in 1937, who passed away in May this year, and he would tell me about the post war years. Some people turned to crime to survive, but they still had the old fashioned values. Loyalty, respect and treat people as you would want to be treated. I hope he gets another 10 years of life, to spread his message and to teach people, especially youngsters, that crime doesn't pay and ultimately isn't worth it.

[@jamesd755]

I watched a brilliant examination of Chris' life.. including a more detailed retelling (by Chris) of that day in prison when he was going to implode and found a lifeline in the bible. The documentary includes commentary from people who know/knew Chris, even one of the prison Governers who tells how when he heard that Chris had turned to God and didn't believe it.. until he later met Chris and realised he'd truly changed. It also follows Chris in his role as a support worker working with addicts, plus insights into his relationships and his kids. I came out the other side of that documentary with HUGE respect for Chris Lambrianou!

[@Martyfartini]

I was one of the addicts that was in rehab in Oxford when Chris L was there in 97-98 and definitely was a part of the whole mix of people that got me through it. It was like, if this guy thinks I can do it, maybe I can.

[@jamesd755]

@@Martyfartini Hope you pushed through and are doing well, mate! I was a drugs worker myself for a short time. Sadly a lot of ineffective services out there that really depend on good workers..

[@rickcuster8661]

Chris tells such a powerful story and with such conviction (no pun intended). A few years back I read his brother Tony’s book and remember watching him on tv programmes, probably before the days of KZbin, thank you for having Chris on as a guest, really enjoyed the episode.

[@pedrochimp5155]

Chris, you are a real men...................you got hit with 15 years and never rolled. RESPECT !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bangpennystocks4534]

He looks really happy talking about the airplanes early on, a very genuine expression on his face

[@user-kz9md5wm5d]

I LOVE LISTENING TO CHRIS'S INTERVIEWS WHILE I'M FALLING ASLEEP OF A NIGHT. I LISTEN TO MANY INTERVIEWS IN THIS WAY, YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW RELAXING AND SOOTHING IT IS WITH JUST TALKING, ATTENBOROUGH IS ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE. SOME PEOPLE COULD READ THE DICTIONARY AS A BEDTIME STORY, AND THEIR VOICES ARE SO MESMERIC, YOU JUST DRIFT OFF. ANYONE ELSE DO THIS?

[@nigelnigel.]

NO

[@dfusco73]

Brilliant pod cast, Those old time London guys have a lot of charisma, you can tell he’s still angry about the false sentence by the cops ,Also Chris spoke really well , seems a straight up bloke .

[@charisse234]

I actually admire him.for the simple reason he never made excuses for his self he faced all his failings and that's a super hard thing to do.positiviy peace and love ❤

[@steveosborn4278]

Brilliant interview. Very enjoyable. Fascinating man Mr Lambrianou.

[@vantheman1238]

Chris genuinely comes across as a good man. Bless him ❤

[@adiheale2926]

Fantastic interview. Seems like a good guy at heart hope he's got some peace now.

[@gg79919]

Brilliant interview, love hearing these stories. Learned so much from this and others, really puts things into perspective, especially when he said he can’t buy time, thank you LADBible for these brilliant podcasts and interviews! Keep them coming please! ❤

[@justonsullivan3807]

These interviews with these ole' timers are Golden. I wish all the happiness to Chris and his loved ones. What a great person. 🙏🇺🇲🗽🇬🇧🙏

[@jshaw4757]

Nice one Justin all best dude 😎🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@robertandrews5640]

CHRIS WAS BETTER THAN TONY

[@Chris-gq7zu]

​@@robertandrews5640😂

[@billybattsshinebox8559]

You wouldn't say that if he took ya eye out with nail...

[@MattHamilton-kr9tc]

Chris I always remember meeting you in Oxford at the ley community. Always willing to stop and talk, great man

[@Jhjgolf]

Out of all the interviews I've watched and listen to, I feel Chris is the most honest of them all , in my opinion 👍

[@beautifullybrilliant7542]

4:07 very true. My mom was born in 1946 in Edinburgh Scotland and she told me that there were rations until sometime in the 60s. My gran told me that too. In fact, my granny even made airplane parts during the war for the war effort for the British soldiers. #Nostalgic.

[@michaelscales5996]

Rationing stopped around 1953.

[@jamesatkinson2595]

One of the best interviews I've listened too.

[@kevinrichards1667]

Wonderful man fantastic interview

[@dustinbladel3205]

Great interview

[@hannahbrown8891]

Love this interview . So interesting

[@dawnmulvaney6949]

Great Interview 👍

[@brianwoodrow8191]

I’ve read his brother Tony’s book, From Inside the Firm, fantastic read indeed

[@drdank_420]

Great episode

[@dundeeutility4899]

Loved the story with the piss pot 👌 " OR I CAN BE WITH MY FRIENDS " RESPECT CHRIS 🙏

[@BertSmithLondon]

I could listen to this man all day.

[@SHM0K3Y]

Some powerful stuff this big respect to this man ❤

[@dean.baldwin]

What a lovely gent and an honest account of everything that happened. Just ended up being at the wrong place at the wrong time twice which cost him dearly. But an amazing heart warming message at the end. I'm not religious but God bless him also. 🙏 😊

[@coyotesayswhat]

You said it better than I could.

[@martindwyer3984]

Ah well 😢

[@stentsx]

There is no way he's 85. 😱

[@MegaJanza]

What an awesome story teller and a total gentleman. Everyone deserves another chance!

[@Weegus]

I like Chris he seems honest an d I like the way he puts his story across as a deterrent for anyone wanting to go down that road.

[@Steve24527]

We luv you Chris ❤What a throughly decent man he is I was almost in tears at the end

[@paulhooker469]

Great vlog

[@jasonsmithgooner]

By far my favorite perfume house keep up the excellent work ❤

[@chadhuff5566]

One of my top guest yet, love the video!

[@Contemplationsinnature]

Such a gentleman - very interesting to listen to

[@thomasvarley380]

Chris is a real G . Great interview 👌🏻

[@Glyn-lo4ew]

A Proper old skool Chap .. Hats off too him Real Gentleman Big Respect .. Chris

[@stevetaylor972]

Definitely a man to look upto great podcast 👌

[@wboyle9721]

Chris knew he was in the wrong circles at least he is honest

[@lyndafrench7100]

Loved❤this story a true gentlemen

[@bjpgm1233]

A very respected tough man in his day

[@richiejbhoy1888]

One thing is certain. I understand what you're saying.

[@mjdubs7603]

Ha, it's fairly highbrow and intellectual stuff... good of him to signpost to check the interviewer is keeping up.

[@HShango]

I've learned quite a bit about the krays

[@kevinfahey1968]

Nice to hear someone who is not a rat given an interview❤

[@patkearney9320]

And yet the krays didn’t give 2 fxxks about them. I hate the B.S story’s about them 2 mugs and the fools who buy there crap.

[@therightnumber2003]

Fantastic!

[@porkdread2950]

Chris is a top bloke i met him at a krays charity auction a few years back.

[@daviddenham1511]

Good man.

[@dundeeutility4899]

I would love to meet chris !!! True gentleman!!! 👊🏻

[@SpotlessLeopard]

What a deep and beautiful human being this man really is.

[@randyschwaggins]

He should be nominated for a Nobel Prize

[@SpotlessLeopard]

@@randyschwaggins I'd agree with that mate.

[@braedenmiller1228]

Are you nuts? He’s an accomplice to a senseless murder and coverup who acts remorseful bc he’s nearing death

[@SpotlessLeopard]

@@braedenmiller1228 That's not true. He was roped into it and was trying to protect his brother. You can tell when somebody is telling the truth.

[@braedenmiller1228]

You certainly cannot always tell when someone is telling he truth. besides which, suggesting he should be nominated for a Nobel Prize is pure fantasy. He may have been a relatively honest person in a dishonest underworld but to suggest he deserves that kind of praise is idiotic. @@SpotlessLeopard

[@OasisWullie1872]

A man who has been there done this done that ,Soldiered on Respect my man🎉

[@mikegleed5842]

So glad Big Chris is still in the World 😎👍

[@388Caroline]

Beautiful gentleman 🙏 God’s blessings always 😢

[@showmevids1984]

If anyones interested give Chris’s book a ready it’s a much more detailed and succinct account of his story and it’s a tremendous tale of redemption, I really enjoyed it and read it quite a few times. Honestly like Chris’s former governor said (who had previously believed he was an absolute lunatic) that Chris is more courageous and brave than any gangster, and a thoroughly decent bloke Gob bless Chris 👍

[@markrunnalls7215]

Wow what a man.. Excellent interview.

[@carolsheenyhailstoneartgra3977]

Aww what a lovely man

[@michaelharrison3602]

Every working class kid who grew up during and just after the war in London or any other major city got involved in crime All Londoner who were alive in the forties and fifties remembers Prince Mona lulu he was a horse tipster who would sell tips at all the street markets he wore African robes and claimed to be a Prince. I found out years later that he was really a Jamaican seaman

[@joekennedy5110]

chris is a legend

[@patkearney9320]

He’s a nice man but never a gangster them and the Twins where actors my uncle beat the crap out of Tony and they thought the twins would sort it. They didn’t give a fxxk because Tony wasn’t considered a firm member.

[@russellbonell]

​@@patkearney9320is your uncle Ronnie Pickering?

[@joekennedy5110]

@@patkearney9320 Yeah Chris is cool. Thats funny coz Tont wrote a book called 'Inside the firm' lol ......F the Krays. Yeah they were not all that but still bad coz of Lord Boothby, Ronnie Kray & the Suffolk Paedophile Ring Connection.

[@dazzledarren1271]

With respect Chris has forgotten The Krays did put it on many businesses including members of my family. The twins came unstuck on these occasions !

[@mattador3696]

Hey Ben, off topic but could of sworn I saw you in Cornwall last week. Was it you?

[@Delightful_Debi]

My dad ended up in a Borstal Havent a clue which one Then prison when he was abit older

[@howardrowan1871]

Gee..What an incredible interview..Sure debunks those fantasy Kray movies..

[@DenisCatBurglarNewma]

top bloke wot a man so honest 👏👏👏

[@darrencady4261]

Chris Lambriano. Loyal. To the End. And for what? So, all you up coming gangsters take note, listen, and hopefully something may come from Wisdom.

[@user-lm5qx3qt7d]

True Gentleman stand up Guy he's a good fella

[@Delightful_Debi]

Chris was born a year before my dad whos now passed but my dad always spoke about the Krays and their members and had met a few Also worked i na scrap yard weighing in the metals in Canning Town

[@andypicken7848]

What a great story Chris tells. Seems like the wrong decision to have convicted him of murder but I suppose we can never really be certain. I do wonder if he had told the truth and avoided jail if his life would have turned out so well. I suppose its all part of the rich tapestry of life. Thanks for posting

[@vandafowkes9759]

❤ wow ❤

[@imnotavingthat6813]

Nipper read fit this dude right up, had no part in the murder, just helped clean up after and move the body.. Staunch beyond belief, always like to hear his story, one of the last links to the Krays and what sounds like better days. Live Long n Live Large Big Chrissy

[@VOODOORIDDIM1]

What a Beautiful Man

[@mauricedottore9807]

🙏

[@ultreiasherpa6457]

respect

[@michaelharrison3602]

If you grew up during or just after WW11 You have similar stories:bombsites,nicking lead of roofs,anything that makes money

[@michaelharrison3602]

Every body who grew up at that time had similar experiences:,playing on bombsites carrying luggage at zrailway termini nicking lead of roofs. Th😂lucky ones grow out of it others just go further ip the path what starts of as a bit of mischief and gets more and more serious

[@LONKALUKSV]

You know what I mean! Proper geezer.

[@alisonsmith8059]

Mad to think his life could of been so much different if he had took that opportunity to become an mp

[@randyschwaggins]

Yeah...dig into his history and you'll find that he's been a shyster all his life

[@h.i.m3646]

Chris cared about the Krays mother and helped them, but what about Jack the hats mother, didn't she deserve to see justice for his sons murder. Chris should've told Reg and Ron to "do one".

[@micko5664]

Circumstances

[@aaberfeldy2021]

“You understand me”

[@stevebaker6711]

The Krays were dogs who took every one down with them.

[@user-lm5qx3qt7d]

everyone deserted them because they didn't wanna get 30 years in Prison this guy must have really loved Violet

[@michaelharrison3602]

Connie Whitehead was never in the SAS he had been a regular soldier though

[@davidmccallum4468]

I heard he lasted a couple of months on the outside then he was back behind bars

[@eldinthings]

Peaky Fokin' Bloinders

[@alangrynich2037]

A wise man

[@md4933]

Frank Mitchell should have stayed on the moor. The poor fella was delivered to forman to be dispatched.. albert Donahue might as well put a bow around his neck when he handed him over.

[@user-lm5qx3qt7d]

I think people tend to forget the whole point why people get involved in crime because they can't make a fair wage going to work in England because you have to look and be a certain way

[@user-mb2nq8ev7e]

😮

[@davidmccallum4468]

It's funny how this guy & all the rest of old school who ran about with the krays .never said a bad word about them when they were alive .I wonder why.!! At least this guy took his punishment, unlike others so fairl play to him for that

[@DanielHewsonPianist]

The Lambs may have been loyal to the Krays but the Krays weren’t loyal to the Lambs, they should’ve just told Nipper the truth & saved 15 years of the prime of their lives.

[@EireFirst2024]

I'd replace almost any CURRENT politician with that man.

[@kailashpatel1706]

If the Krays had pleaded guilty to their crimes, esp Reggie he would have never had got 30 years..

[@user-lm5qx3qt7d]

People that go to work for certain Business's in England actually think there really clever when they get paid £300 a week

[@Soulsurvived]

I want know what the murder he did was like

[@oxocube60]

I think it would have made sense for the interviewer to be someone older, someone who knew the topic material and someone from London. just sayin.

[@lawtonloraine4144]

He has always been a stand up guy him and his brother Tony. I was away with Charlie and Reggie Kray . Amateurs both of them. But actually old when I met them. They polite and respectful to me.