Interview Lauren Naylor

What have you been doing with Drag Race UK?

‘Me and AJ, my brother, are the dance captains and in charge of the choreography for the finalists. It’s a brilliant series with very British humour and a lot more PG than the USA version!’

How did you find RuPaul?

‘Incredibly tall – she is a lot taller than I expected!’

You’ve recently lost lots of weight with WW, formally Weight Watchers. How have you found that?

‘The weight has fallen off without trying. I have been constantly eating rather than ‘enjoying myself’ like I did In the Love Island villa. I put on around two stone on the show, mainly through snacking. When something tasted good, I’d go for it! So instead of having one cheesecake I’d eat three!’

What are you looking forward to over Christmas?

‘I can’t wait to perform in panto! I’ve always been a performer, so I wanted to add singing and acting to my repertoire. In preparation for panto I’ve been having some singing lessons – I can definitely hold a note now!’

What’s else is coming up for you?

‘I’m super busy work-wise. After my panto I’ll be working on The Greatest Dancer on BBC One, and then tour with AJ live in March 2020.  I don’t know when I’ll stop!’

See Curtis in Dick Whittington at the Wycombe Swan Theatre from 13^th December 2019 to 5^th Jan 2020 wycombeswan.co.uk

Read Curtis’s full interview in the Christmas issue of Celebrity Secrets, out 19th November in OK! magazine bumper packs for one week only!

The post Five minutes with Curtis Pritchard appeared first on Checklists.

From Uri Geller eating the first ever witchetty grub in series one back in 2002, to last year when Noel Edmonds and Harry Redknapp both munched on sheep brain, foods from Bushtucker trials are definitely memorable.

And while these might not often be appetising, the I’m a Celeb diet surprisingly isn’t too unhealthy.

OddsMonkey has looked back through the top challengers and picked out the best and worst Jungle treats that celebrities have eaten and compiled a caloried menu.

A McDonald’s Big Mac comes in at 563 calories – but how does that compare to some of the great Jungle snacks we have seen?

Let’s look at who has eaten what over the years…

Sheep’s brain (1lb) – 665 calories – eaten by Harry Redknapp and Noel Edmonds in 2018

Harry and Noel competed against each other and both had to eat the Sheep’s Brain – but they might not of known just how many calories they were taking in, more than a Big Mac! And it is also more than Harry’s beloved Jam Roly Poly which comes in at about 400 calories.

Fish eyes (one) – 123 calories – eaten by Kendra Wilkinson in 2014

Fish eyes are becoming a regular treat on the Jungle menu, but they are not the easiest of things to eat, and at 123 calories they make an impact.

Camel Hump (100 grams) – 75 calories – eaten by Jimmy Bullard in 2017

Camel Hump is regarded as a delicacy in some parts of the world, but that is not what Jimmy Bullard was thinking back in 2017 – although the fact it is low in fat and calories might have helped!

Kangaroo penis (100 grams) – 247 calories – eaten by George Takei in 2008

One of the most dreaded Jungle delicacies – the foreboding penis has been eaten by a number of celebrities. Star Trek legend George Takei took on the challenge one of the most memorable eating tasks, although it was not without it’s calories almost worth half a Big Mac!

Mealworms (100 grams) – 223 calories – eaten by Rebekah Vardy in 2017

Mealworms are now even available around the UK as a snack, although not sure Rebekah Vardy will be rushing to find them again after successfully tucking into them back in 2017.

Vomit Fruit (100 grams) – 357 calories – eaten by Amir Khan in 2017

Vomit Fruit has a horrible stench and taste, but Boxer Amir Khan did well as he downed the fruit in a shake and he may well have been surprised to find out it contained a whopping 357 calories, getting towards the equivalent of a full Big Mac.

Lamb testicles (one) – 68 calories – eaten by Nadine Dorries 2012

Nadine Dorries is entering the General Election in the coming weeks, but she had to endure some tough task in the Jungle back in 2012, but few worse than when she took on a Lamb testicle – although at 68 calories it was far from being bad for her.

Pig snouts (one) – 309 calories – eaten by Malique Thompson-Dwyer in 2018

Malique Thompson-Dwyer had to endure one of the toughest challenges with Sair Khan, and one of this eats was a Pig snout – it looked and tasted disgusting and there is a good reason you don’t see it on menus – apart from ours!

Pig anus (one) – 115 calories – eaten by Freddie Starr in 2015

Comedian Freddie Starr did not turn his nose up at anything during his stay in the Jungle, and his “Bacon Butty” was no problem for him.

Mouse Tails (One full mouse) – 35 calories – eaten by Sair Khan in 2018

Another horrible creation was mouse tails acting as spaghetti – but Sair Khan completed it well.

Deer Shake (kidneys, liver, blood) – 544 calories – Carl Fogarty in 2014

The 2014 winner Carl Fogarty endured a really bad drinking challenge with his Deer Shake, but he came through it with flying colours like he did on the track, and calories wise it was one of the richest we have ever seen – just about an equivalent to a full Big Mac.

Witchetty Grub – 245 calories – eaten by Uri Geller in 2002

The very first eating challenge in I’m A Celebrity history, despite being a vegetarian Uri Geller took on the challenge and ate the Witchetty Grub – which can be a staple of the Aboriginal diet in the outback!

The post I’m A Celebrity diet in calories appeared first on Checklists.

Self-taught chocolatier Alana talks about how her cake company Ridiculously Rich has gone from strength to strength since, advice for budding entrepreneurs and what Lord Sugar is REALLY like.

 Are you watching the series this year? What do you think of the latest contestants?

IT’S A STRONG YEAR FOR THE GIRLS
Yes of course, every year it becomes less strange watching it. For the first couple of years it was particularly odd but now I just enjoy it for the great TV show it is. I think they seem like a good bunch. You have obviously got your great for TV candidates but there are some really strong contenders with great businesses already on the outside. It is a strong year for the girls, I think. 

What were the most challenging things you learned about being on The Apprentice?

I LEARNED SKILLS FOR LIFE
The hardest part was definitely being there with other people. It would be hard enough to do those tasks alone where you make the decisions but when you have to fight to have your voice heard along with all the other stresses going on, it becomes really challenging. I learned a lot about myself and my people management while I was in The Apprentice and I believe I picked up skills that I will use for life.

Do you have any behind the scenes secrets about Sir Alan Sugar?

PEOPLE DON’T REALISE HOW REAL THE PRIZE IS
There really aren’t any secrets, he is what you see on TV. I guess the biggest shock people have is that he actually is involved in the business going forward. I don’t think people realise how real the prize is.

Did you and Sir Sugar leave on good terms following his separation from your business?

I’M THE MASTER OF MY OWN DESTINY NOW
Yes, it was completely amicable and he wished me well on my journey going forward. I learned a lot from my time with Lord Sugar but it is exciting to be the master of my own destiny now.

There are rumours that Lord Sugar ‘might leave the show’ – who do you think would be a good replacement if he did?

IT WOULDN’T BE THE SAME
I must be in such a bubble at the moment as I hadn’t read or heard that. I can’t see it though. The Apprentice wouldn’t be The Apprentice without Lord Sugar and to be honest I don’t think Lord Sugar would be without the show either. The two go hand in hand.

How has your life changed since the show?

WE SELL TO THE UK’S BEST RETAILERS
The Apprentice fully changed my life, as it has many others and I am so grateful to the show and to Lord Sugar and his team for seeing something in me. Before the show I was a baker and a market trader, baking cakes and going to the local markets and fairs to sell them. Now I have a team of 50 ambassadors that sell my cakes across the country. I have just opened a new bakery here in my hometown of Aberystwyth in Wales with a shop on the front that we open every Friday and we sell to some of the best retailers in the country from wonderful independents to big nationals. I feel so proud of what me and my little team have achieved in such a short space of time and I’m so excited to see what is next.

What tips do you have for budding entrepreneurs?

DON’T FLOG A DEAD HORSE
I get asked this all the time and my answer always changes. I have been given so much advice over the years and learned so much that I could talk for hours about all the things I have learned but at this moment in time my advice would be two things. Firstly, you really are only as good as your team so surround yourself with people who are good at what they do and who care about what you are trying to create. That way you are all on the journey together. Secondly, if something isn’t working, change it, don’t flog a dead horse. I have had to adapt and change so much over the last three years. It’s difficult when you put a lot of time into an idea to scrap or change it if it isn’t working but it’s the only thing you can do if you want to keep going.

What is your favourite cake and most unusual recipe?

OUR BROOKIE IS A MUST
We have just opened our very own bakery after outsourcing the production for 3 years, so I am actually really enjoying getting back in the bakery and playing around with recipes. We have redeveloped all our cakes and just introduced the Brookie, a brownie cookie combination which is quite possibly the most delicious thing I have made in a while.

Do you have plans for expansion for Ridiculously Rich? What are your business goals for the next 5 years?

PERFECT CAKES, EVERY TIME
My goal is to make Ridiculously Rich a go to in the luxury snacking market. I want people to stop at a motorway services and think: ‘shall we get a box of Ridiculously Rich?’. I believe I can get there because people love the cakes. That’s the most important thing for me right now though, over the next year or so. Building the foundations of the bakery itself and making sure we put out perfect cakes, every time!

Alana’s range of Ridiculously Rich cakes can be found at ridiculoulsyrichbyalana.co.uk or by visiting the store in Aberystwyth.

The post Apprentice star Alana Spencer on what the show is really like appeared first on Checklists.

Interview by Claire Muffett-Reece

What did you think of this year’s Love Island?

‘I think this year has been very timid compared to previous series. I know they have to keep it more ‘PG’ nowadays but it’s one of those where you could skip a couple of days and not actually miss out on much drama.’

How do you think the show’s changed since you were there in 2017?

‘It’s appealing to a wider audience. I believe the 2017 series became a template for the following years. It’s now getting a bit “samey” in my opinion.’

Do you keep in touch with any of your housemates?

‘I speak to Sam [Girl] and Dom [Lever] as we all play charity football together. They’re both great lads.’

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you from going in the villa?

‘Finding out what I’m truly passionate about – fitness – and recognising that being authentic and yourself is massive for you own mental health.’

And what’s the worst?

‘There’s a lot of pressure to keep up a certain image, or feel you need to be the person everyone sees you as to fit in. Personally, I love that I took a step back and am totally comfortable with myself and my path. It’s definitely helped having a great support network behind me.’

What advice would you give for this year’s islanders who may struggle to deal with the fame?

‘Talk to friends, talk to family or talk to anyone you trust who has time to listen to what’s on your mind. Stay grounded by doing something you love doing, regardless of what people think. It’s easy to get caught up in things that aren’t very important, but that’s no good for your mental health. I made sure I kept fit to stay healthy, but also as a release from all the things that come with being instantly sought-after.’

To keep up with Alex, follow him on instagram.com/alex.beattie

If you liked this post, check out more of our Love Island articles:

Dr Alex George on the importance of monitoring your mental health
Exclusive Interview: Megan Barton-Hanson
Eyal Booker: My Love Island Secrets

The post Alex Beattie isn’t pressured to look or act a certain way appeared first on Checklists.

We’re now in the final week of Love Island series 5, and it’s safe to say this series has had a lot of cracking on and mugging off. But who will be crowned this year’s winners? Bookmaker Bwin have analysed every season of Love Island to discover the recipe for successes with each winning couple. The study looks into how long winning couples were together, when they entered the show, their age, where they’re from, how popular they are on social media and more.

Bwin have predicted Molly-Mae and Tommy will win due to the fact:

• Tommy and Molly-Mae have been together since day 5
• There has never been a winner over the age of 26 (Tommy is 20 and Molly-Mae is 19)
• A third of Love Island winners have come from the North West of England, (Tommy is from Manchester)

It’s anticipated Amber & Greg and Anton & Belle will compete for second place

• Every female runner-up of Love Island has been in since day one, whilst half of third place finishes weren’t in the villa from day one
• Almost half of the previous islanders from outside England have reached the final four which gives Anton (Scottish) and Greg (Irish) an advantage
• Amber has an average of 2,571 mentions per day on Twitter and her partner Greg has received 2,500 mentions per day

Predicted Timeline: 

• Harley & Chris; Ovie & India; Maura & Curtis will leave the villa this week
• Final four couples will be; Tommy & Molly-Mae; Amber & Greg; Anton & Belle; Anna & Jordan
• Winning Couple: Tommy & Molly-Mae

Here’s how the couples rank using Bwin’s scoring system:

­

So, who do you think will win this year? Leave your comments below!

The post Who will win Love Island 2019? The recipe for success is revealed appeared first on Checklists.

“If I was single I’d chat to Maura”

Last year’s Love Islander on who he’d hook up with in the villa and why

Interview by Claire Muffett-Reece

Looking at this year’s Love Islanders, who would you say has got the best shape?

‘A lot of the islanders this year have jobs that require them to be in good shape – several are models, Michael’s a firefighter, Tommy’s a boxer, Lucie’s a surfer – so I think those guys have great physiques that reflect what they do for a living.’

If you could go back in to the villa right now, who would you pull aside for a chat?

‘That’s a tricky one! I’m very happy with my girlfriend, so I’m not really thinking like a single man. I do however think Maura’s got a lot about her. I think it’s pretty cool the way she always sticks up for what she believes in.’

Who do you think is going to win?

‘It’s got to be Tommy and Molly-Mae, right?’

This year’s contestants always seem to be training in the gym…

‘You have a lot of time on your hands so it makes sense to train. We were all the same last year. I used the gym in the villa on most days, and took advantage of the other guys’ tips and advice for different types of workouts. I also swam in the pool a lot – even though it was freezing cold!’

What was the catering like on the show? 

‘They asked us before we went in what we’d like for breakfast, so most people had fruit or porridge. The production company then laid on lunch and dinner every day, which is why you don’t see the contestants sitting down eating proper meals. There would basically be platters with loads of different options – some healthy, some not so much. I would typically go for some chicken and salad or veg with a bit of rice or pasta, but of course sometimes you just fancy a few chips! We all got tempted by the snacks, though, eating chocolate bars and crisps. There was usually a late night toastie-making session going on, too!’

What was the reason that made you hit the gym and change your shape initially?

‘I was modelling before I went on Love Island – and continue to do so – and needed to keep myself in good shape. Having said that I’ve always been into fitness – not just for aesthetic reasons, but to maintain a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. I find exercise quite meditative – it really helps me to focus.’

What exercise do you do?

‘I go to F45 Training and do a 45-minute blast of high-intensity exercise, usually in a class with a few other people. I also go to GYMBOX which has a great energy – both of them push me to my limits, but the trainers are amazing and really motivate you.’

Back to Love Island. With the contestants slowly being dumped from the island, what advice would you give for anyone still in the villa?

‘You’ve got to be yourself – you can’t pretend or you’ll get caught out. And also, enjoy every moment – it will all be over before you know it, so make the most of your time in paradise!’

Eyal is an ambassador for World Vision, RSPCA and Dog’s Trust instagram.com/eyalbooker

If you liked this post, check out more of our Love Island articles:

Dr Alex George on the importance of monitoring your mental health
Exclusive Interview: Megan Barton-Hanson
Love Island star Adam Collard on getting that bikini body

The post Eyal Booker: My Love Island Secrets appeared first on Checklists.

How would you describe your experience of Strictly?
‘It really is a bit of a magical whirlwind. It’s so intense because you have so much to do, and it takes over your life, but it’s so much fun. I really miss it now.’

Was this your first experience of professional dancing?
‘Yes! I “party dance” and love throwing a few shapes on the dance floor with my mates on a Saturday night, but this was my first taste of what I call “proper” dancing. I have the utmost admiration for professional dancers now, as I know how hard it is to do well!’

How did you find the training? We hear it was intense…
‘Training was intense. We would only have Monday to Thursday to learn and perfect the routines, so we would grab as many hours as we possibly could around my other work commitments. On average we probably did 6-8 hours a day I reckon. That’s a lot of working out each week!’

That sounds exhausting! But did you have a personal highlight on the show? 
‘Strictly has always been a dream for me, so just being part of the show was a dream come true! Also, having the opportunity to dance with Janette was amazing. She’s an incredible performer and now she’s like a best friend too. She’s one of many wonderful things I’ve got from the show.’

How did you feel when your time on Strictly came to an end?
‘I was absolutely gutted. We had had such a good week and I was really hoping we’d made it through. But sadly it was our time to go – I’m still not over it!’

Who are you rooting for to win?
‘I couldn’t possibly choose between any of my friends! They’re all there because they deserve to be – they’ve worked hard, they’re good dancers, and people like them! Any of them deserve to win!’

Strictly had its first ever same-sex couple dance routine this series – do you think this could become the norm on the show? 
‘I think it was an amazing thing that the BBC did with the same sex couple pro dance routine, and the public loved it just as everyone else did. That should be celebrated. Also, let’s remember that the cast of celebrities is so diverse: different backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexualities on a mainstream platform on the biggest show in the country. That’s fantastic!’

Do you have any projects coming up?
‘Well, it’s back to the day job (I work in the NHS), and seeing what new doors open up. I’m still doing This Morning, and will hopefully be filming some more stuff with the BBC and ITV. I’m also looking at doing some books, so fingers crossed!’

 Do you plan to carry on dancing?
‘Absolutely! I’ve booked dance lessons already! I really miss dancing, and it’s such a great way to keep fit and boost your mood, I simply have to carry it on! Also, it would be a shame to lose everything I’ve learned over the last couple of months.’

Would you go on any other reality TV shows – if so, which? 
‘I’d be useless on the ice, I hate creepy crawlies, and Big Brother doesn’t exist anymore so my options are limited! Who knows, perhaps I should think of a new medical reality show!’

The post Dr. Ranj Singh talks lessons from Strictly and returning to the NHS appeared first on Checklists.

1. John Barrowman

Who is he?

Scottish-American actor best known as Captain Jack Harkness, the time-travelling heartthrob in Doctor Who and Torchwood. He has also starred in plays at the West End and Broadwa, including Phantom of the Opera, Matafor and Sunset Boulevard.

What’s he scared of?

Jumping out of planes and confined spaces.

2. Emily Atack

Who is she?

Actress best known for playing Will’s love interest, Charlotte Hinchcliffe, in The Inbetweeners. She also starred in the remake of Dad’s Army, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones and Bill Nighy.

What’s she scared of?

Bugs, snakes and rats. She’s also worried she will miss wine when she’s in the jungle.

3. Fleur East

Who is she?

Runner-up of 2014’s The X Factor. She also released one of our favourite workout tracks, Sax.

What’s she scared of?

Having creatures crawling all over her. Fair enough.

4. Harry Redknapp

Who is he?

Football manager who has previously managed AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United and Portsmouth, to name a few. The 71-year-old football manager is one of the oldest participants on the show this year.

What’s he scared of?

Yet to be discovered, but he says he’s looking forward to the adventure.

5. Anne “The Governess” Hegerty

Who is she?

Her name may be Anne, but she’s better known as The Governess, a quiz mastermind on ITV game show, The Chase. Aside from The Chase, she has previously appeared on Mastermind, Today’s The Day, Are You An Egghead? among others. In other words, she’ll be great for solving the I’m a Celeb mystery puzzles.

What’s she scared of?

Spiders.

6. Sair Khan

Actress who plays Alya Nazir on Coronation Street. She received a nomination for Newcomer at the National Television Awards in 2015 for this role.

What’s she scared of?

Getting hangry!

7. Nick Knowles

Who is he?

The host of DIY SOS, as well as BBC shows Who Dares Wins and Break the Safe.

What’s he scared of?

He says only time (and the jungle) will tell…

8. James McVey

Who is he?

Lead guitarist and back-up vocalist for the UK boy band, The Vamps – very popular with teens. The band has had top 10 hits in the UK and US and has been the support act for big stars like Taylor Swift.

What’s he scared of?

He hasn’t revealed his biggest fears yet, but says he’s excited to step outside of his comfort zone.

9. Rita Simons

Who is she?

Actress who is mainly known for her role as Roxy Mitchell in Eastenders. She won a National Television award for this role. She also starred in the UK tour of Legally Blonde the Musical in September last year, where she played Paulette Bonafonte.

10. Malique Thomspon-Dwyer

Who is he?

Hollyoaks favourite, who plays Prince McQueen on the show. The 20-year-old will be the youngest contestant in the jungle.

What’s he scared of?

Rats, but he says there is no way he’ll be saying ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!’ during a trial!

11. Noel Edmonds

Who is he?

This year’s latest addition to the show, best known as the host of Deal or No Deal.

The post Who’s in the line-up for this year’s I’m a Celebrity? appeared first on Checklists.

Chloe Sims says she’s not the ice queen she appears on TOWIE

She’s best known for her role on TOWIE, but Chloe Sims has shown another side to her personality on our screens in this series of Celebs Go Dating.

She explains, ‘I give off a certain vibe when people meet me – but that’s not actually who I am. I think it’s just like a defence thing.

‘And also it’s a little bit to do with the way I’ve been moulded on the show I’m on [TOWIE], cos we all kind of have our characters,’ Chloe adds. ‘And that’s only a little bit of my personality. I’m not actually an agony aunt and I’m not really that icy, it’s just how I’ve been portrayed.’

On Celebs Go Dating, however, she feels she has ‘shown all sides’ of her personality. ‘On the show that I’m used to being on, there are so many other characters there, so you don’t need to give all of yourself,’ she says. ‘So I think, with [Celebs Go Dating], they’ve pulled it out of me!’

If she met a boyfriend on the show, would she bring him on TOWIE? She’s not ruling it out. ‘Possibly,’ she muses.

She adds that a lot of the men she has been dating have ‘strong careers that are not on TV’ so may not have the time for a regular slot on the show. ‘But, I mean, an appearance here or there, that could probably happen,’ she adds.

As we talk about her time on the show, she opens up about the ‘funny old choices’ she’s made in her love life over the years.

‘I regret people that I’ve dated off camera, not just ones on the camera. But obviously, you learn from your lessons – and I’ve made some good TV!’

In the past, she adds, she has gone into relationships with other TOWIE members because of the ‘bubble’ of the show. ‘You can easily start thinking that you and somebody else could make something work,’ she says, but ‘when you step out of that bubble, it would never work.’

Mutya talks keeping her options open and needing her daughter’s seal of approval

The former Sugababes star says she’s keen to date and doesn’t want to settle down just yet.

‘Second dates are good, but there’s so much potential out there. Why would you want a second date? You just kind of want to keep it open – for now! I just want everyone, to be honest. I’m a bit greedy like that.’

Does her daughter mind her going on all of these dates? Absolutely not, Mutya says. ‘She’s all up for it. She loves the fact I’m going out dating – she knows, without this, I wouldn’t be dating.’

But if her daughter had had a problem, Mutya wouldn’t have signed up for the show, she says. ‘If she was upset about me dating on TV, I wouldn’t do it. But she’s down!’

Mutya says she and her daughter are ‘besties’, but her daughter is sometimes teased by her friends because of her attractive mum.

‘She’s more embarrassed about her friends at school fancying me.

‘They’re like [to her daughter] “how do you feel about me being your new step-daddy?” and I’m like, “baby, tell your little friend I’m going to come over and poke him in the eye!”’

Callum on clashing with Nadia Essex and what he’s learnt from feedback

After a rocky start, Ibiza Weekender’s Callum Izzard says he is learning a lot about how to succeed on a date.

‘I had a couple of ones at the beginning that said I wasn’t doing a lot of listening. Someone down here,’ he says, gesturing to his trousers, ‘kept taking over!’

But now, with Paul’s help, he is working on being more attentive. ‘With Paul’s help I’ve had a lot of ear flirting. That’s what gentlemen do.’

While he calls Paul his ‘brother’, he says he clashed with Nadia when she was an agent on the show.

‘We don’t really see eye-to-eye. She gives me a lot of advice and it’s always negative.

‘But I’ve head of the saying “lead by example”. Where is her man? Where is he? Come on, that’s all I’m saying…

Amy Tapper and Sam Craske on dating for the first time

Both Diversity member, Sam Craske, and Gogglebox favourite, Amy Tapper, are relatively new to the dating scene.

‘Up until the show, I never really dated,’ Amy says. She has found the experience much better than using dating apps, as she says it feels safer.

‘You know they’ve been checked [on Celebs Go Dating] and they’re real people – they’re not going to be Colin, 68, from somewhere.’

Sam says he has never used Tinder either. In fact, he admits he hasn’t been on many dates since he broke up with Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall four years ago.

‘I’d been on one date in two or three years. So I was really worried and nervous about dating experiences. I just didn’t want to do it.’

But now he thinks dating is not a big deal. ‘One thing I’ve taken away from this is dating’s not that bad.’

Having said that, he says dating is harder when you’re a celebrity. ‘I can’t deal with people who are fame-hungry and try and leech on to you and try and get something out of you. That’s a massive turn-off.’

Is he worried that people are dating him just for the fame? ‘It’s always going to be a wall you’ve got up,’ he says.

‘Always in the back of your mind you’re sitting there thinking: do they actually like you or are they liking you because of who you are, and the image you’ve got behind you?’

Celebs Go Dating continues tonight at 10pm on E4

The post Celebs Go Dating stars talk rejection, turn-offs and looking for love appeared first on Checklists.

What has been your favourite date so far on Celebs Go Dating?
‘One of the dates we did in the countryside. I don’t know if it was a low point or a highlight. It’s nice when we’re all together, all the – I hate saying the word ‘celebrities’, it makes me feel sick – but all the celebrities. We have a laugh.’

What would you say is your normal type?
‘I don’t really have a set type but I just wanted someone down to earth and normal, not doing anything in this industry. Just a normal guy. I’ve missed that since Love Island.’

Do you think, since Love Island, men have been more interested in getting to know you?
‘No, it’s the complete opposite. Before Love Island, my DMs was the Pick ‘n’ Mix of hot guys and now it’s honestly like dust balls. I feel like people have a perception of what I’m like – my catchphrase that I get all the time when people talk to me is, “oh, you’re actually really nice.”

I’ve obviously dated since Love Island, but I was with Chris and then I was seeing my ex. So I’ve not really been on the market as such, so this is quite nice for me.’

What do you think Chris would make of you being on this show?
‘He stands by this motto that he doesn’t watch TV, so he probably won’t watch it.’

Eyal told us that, out of all the celebs on the show, he’d want to date you. How do you feel about that?
‘Oh I take that as a massive compliment. We’ve got a bit more of a… I was going to say we’ve got a bit of a brotherly bond, but that’s a bit weird because when we have a drink it all gets a bit incenstral! I don’t know. Yeah. No comment.

Eyal is beautiful, he’s very charming, very sweet. I’m glad we’ve been able to get to know him. He’s not like he came across on Love Island – he’s much more down-to-earth.’

Have there been any dates where you have left because they were so awkward?
‘I’ve seen it through like a trooper, but there was one where I was counting the minutes. He was just an absolute a**hole. He was arrogant, I got a bad vibe off him when I sat down.’

So how do you end a bad date?
‘I just drink a lot and then say,”let’s get the bill.”‘

What is your biggest turn-off on a date?
‘Arrogance, when you feel that attitude. I like banter, I like being teased a little bit, but not when it’s in a cold way. You know you can tell when a guy’s really nervous when he starts to be a bit rude. I hate that.’

Who should pay on the first date?
‘I feel like it should always be the guy. I’m not paying for dinner. If you’re not paying, then were both going to leave and get arrested! Simple as that. And I’m all about feminism, it’s 2018 and all that, but I just feel like there’s got to be a bit of chivalry. On the first date I think a man should pay.’

How does Celebs Go Dating compare to Love Island?
‘It’s a very different thing. This is a lot lighter. It is dating – our normal lives are still going on around the show, whereas Love Island is all-consuming, it’s very heavy on the love thing. You’ve got to share a bed with them. This feels like a breeze compared to Love Island.’

How real is Love Island?
‘It’s reality. We do what we want to do, we date who we want to date. It’s just little things, like if I’m in the toilet talking to Amber about Chris, they’re like, “can you have that conversation somewhere nice?” They never tell you what to say. It’s not constructed, we are left to our own devices.’

What are the benefits to having no contact with your dates, except through the agency?
‘Boys’ Instagrams cringe me out. I could meet a boy, really like him, and then I’d look at his Instagram and be like “oh my god, I’m cringing so much.” So it’s quite nice to have that aspect away, so you’re not judging people on other things. It’s just face value.’

Are you not tempted to find them on Instagram?
‘I did that for one. I found his Instagram and I was like “oh my god, you’re a loser.” And I’m not going to do it again because it ruined it for me.’

Would you ever want to go on I’m a Celeb?
‘I’d love to do it. Absolutely love it. I’ll make no secret of that – I’m a big fan of the show. Maybe one day…’

Would you do the Bushtucker Trials?
‘Yeah. The thing is, I’m too proud to not do it. I would actually make myself ill eating stuff because I couldn’t bear to go back and have no dinner for everyone. I hate being beaten, basically.’

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