EXCLUSIVE
Famous, single and ready to mingle!
Celebs Go Dating is back as the agency opens its doors to help a fresh batch of famous singletons
‘I DON’T WANT A PRISON BOYFRIEND ANY MORE!’
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he split up with boyfriend Ritchie last June, so Amy Childs reckons it’s high time she put herself back on the dating scene again. And we agree! The former TOWIE star will be rebuilding her confidence under the watchful eyes of dating agents Paul Carrick Brunson and Anna Williamson. Here, unlucky-in-love Amy, 29, reveals why she’s finally avoiding bad boys and admits it’s hard leaving her kids, Polly, two, and 18-month-old Ritchie, during filming…
Hi Amy! Are you glad to be back on TV? Yeah, it’s definitely a comeback. I took my time away from filming, but my time is now. I’m back on TV, having fun, going on dates and drinking prosecco. Sounds fabulous. But were you nervous about getting back out in the dating world? I’ve been on my own for eight months, so it was nerve-wracking. But I’m a young mum. I can still go on dates and have a laugh. Who’s your ideal man? Not a bad boy any more. I used to like the guys who go to prison – now I need to meet someone like my dad who’s funny, got banter and has a job. My exes never had a job. I
need someone who wants to look after me and loves me for me, not just for what I am. What have you learned about dating? I have to ask other people questions and not just talk about myself. That’s right! Are you done with Essex boys? Never say never, honey. They attract me and I attract them. Are you ready to settle down? Yeah, but they’ve got to be the right person. I wouldn’t just settle for anyone. Who is your best friend among the other celebs on the show? I love everyone. I admit I was never a fan of Lockie, but we got on really well. We’ve got great chemistry. If I went back on TOWIE, he’d be my mate on there. Me and Olivia get on so well too. She’s from Chelsea, I’m from Essex, and we’re so different. She drinks champagne and I drink prosecco. Was it hard leaving the kids while filming? Yeah, there were some days I got upset, but I’m doing it for them. I want to meet Mr Right and I want them to be in my children’s lives. Were your fellow celebs supportive about you having children at home? They always asked about the kids, even Lockie. They all made me feel amazing about
them. The minute I got back from holiday [the cast trip to the Dominican Republic], I was like, “Do you know what? I’m Mum again!” I enjoyed the break, but I’m still a mum. The kids are growing up so fast! Is Polly talking now? She won’t stop talking. She’s obsessed with Disney and she loves Frozen, Beauty And The Beast and Cinderella. Every time she watches Disney she wants to put on a dress. She saw the advert for Celebs Go Dating the other day and she said, “Mummy, you’re on TV!” She couldn’t believe it. I got quite tearful. Does she like being a big sister to Ritchie? She’s a bit jealous, but she’s getting to love Ritch. I love seeing them together. Finally, is this the start of Amy Childs’ TV comeback? One hundred per cent. I’m back for good now, honey.
‘YOU HAVE TO TAKE REJECTION LIKE A MAN’
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e’s best known for playing lovable dope Robbie Jackson on BBC soap EastEnders, but we’re looking forward to seeing the real Dean Gaffney turn on the charm while he looks for love on Celebs Go Dating. Viewers will see the actor mingle with lots of lovely ladies who will compete for the star’s affection – even if he suffers a bit of an awkward fail during the first episode!
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Here, Dean, 42, talks about dealing with rejection and the pressures of getting in front of the camera… Hi Dean! How’s everything going at the dating agency? Everyone talks about the agency, but it’s hard. These guys and girls who come on the show are not used to reality shows and they’ve got 10 cameras stuck in their faces. You handled being turned down in the first episode
very well. How was it? I actually had a DM from the girl [who turned him down] and she apologised and said, “I didn’t want to go on a date on camera.” So there you go. What are your tips for dealing with the rejection? I think everyone in this room, at some point, whether to do with relationships or career, they’ve been rejected in some way, shape or form. You just have to take it like a man, just be a champ and get on with it.
