BORIS Becker has been seen for the first time since his release from prison – and he looks dramatically different.
The former tennis star and respected commentator debuted a bold new look in a £435,000 interview with German TV after serving eight months in HMP Huntercombe in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
The three-time Wimbledon champion has dyed his previously silver hair strawberry blonde, according to new photos of the interview, which is set to be aired tonight.
His hair was white when he was sentenced in April this year to a two and a half year stretch, but is now a much darker reddish-blonde.
He also appears to have lost a considerable amount of weight while behind bars, as he is noticeably less thick set in the new images.
Becker will speak on TV for first time since he was released from prison after serving time for hiding assets during his bankruptcy proceedings.
The 55-year-old star sat down with German presenter Steven Gatjen for a pre-recorded, hour-long chat.
It will air on German channel Sat 1, but reports suggest that UK networks have shown interest in broadcasting the show.
During the interview, Becker discussed his fear at being sent to share a cell with ‘rapists and murderers’ when he was initially sent to HMP Wandsworth.
However, he was later moved to the lower-security HMP Huntercombe to serve the rest of his time, before the TV station flew him back to his native Germany on a private jet.
Controversially, the star has been paid £435,000 for the interview, while he has also signed a contract with Apple TV+ and reportedly has several book deals in the works.
The fee has attracted criticism on social media, with commenters slamming Sat 1 for offering such a large payout.
One wrote: “It’s a mess to offer a criminal this stage and pay so much money, rather donate the money much more sensible.”
Another fumed: “How can you throw money down a criminal’s throat. It’s all about sensationalism, I hope the ratings are zero. Pathetic.”
A spokesperson for Sat1 told MailOnline that they would not discuss the fee.
They said: “Trust is a valuable asset in cooperation and this includes Sat1 not quoting from contracts.”
Meanwhile, Becker’s lawyer, Christian-Oliver Moser, said: “My client does not receive any money to talk about his crimes.”
Becker is banned from doing business in Germany until 2031 because of the bankruptcy proceedings against him, but will reportedly earn income through a company set up by his girlfriend Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, as well as media contracts.
