GAVIN HENSON TELLS US ALL ABOUT HIS QUEST TO FIND LOVE
H
e’s been healing his heartache after a painful split from Charlotte Church last year. But now gorgeous Gavin Henson, 29, is single and back on the dating scene with a bang! The international rugby player is set to star in Channel 5’s The Bachelor, a UK version of the hit US series, where 25 hopeful girls will battle it out for his affections. No stranger to reality TV after his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing last year, the dad of two will whittle the girls down through a series of romantic dates until he fi nds Mrs Right. We caught up with the Welsh hottie to chat dating, his grooming routine and getting over Charlotte… You seem like quite a private person. What made you sign up for the show? When the producers said I’d get to spend time in places like St Lucia and the south of France with 25 gorgeous girls, it was a no-brainer! I’ve been single for 16 months and I would like to meet someone. It would be nice to settle down. It can be hard to meet girls because I don’t trust people easily. I thought The Bachelor would force me to open up. How are you enjoying the experience so far? I’ve met some lovely girls and we’ve had dates in some gorgeous locations so I can’t complain. The show involves group dates and oneon-one dates. I’ve even had a double date where I’ve had to send one girl home, which was quite hard. But you need to feel a spark.
AN ELIGIBLE BACHELOR
‘There will be some snogging!’ 8
So have any of the lovely ladies caught your eye? There are a couple of girls I like but I can’t really give anything away. You can expect to see lots of kissing though! I think you need to see if you have that physical chemistry. There have been rumours that you’ve been getting close to one of the contestants, Layla Manoochehri. What’s going on? There’s absolutely no truth in it. I haven’t singled anyone out; I’m just having fun! It’s a classy show and you won’t see anything rude. I have to go back to my apartment at the end of the night! What do you look for in your ideal partner? I’m looking for a girl who’s very supportive and loyal. The rugby world can be quite challenging and demanding so I need someone I can come home to at the end of the day
and talk to. My ideal girl would be open and affectionate with me and I’d reciprocate that. I don’t really have a type I’m attracted to. You either feel it or you don’t. For me it’s all about personality and being with someone you feel comfortable around. You’re a bit of a reality TV pro after appearing on Strictly last year and 71 Degrees North. What attracts you to these shows? It’s all about pushing myself and doing something different really. Both Strictly and 71 Degrees were great experiences I’ll never forget. Strictly took over my life, I was dancing eight hours a day and I loved it. At the time the pain of my break-up was still pretty raw so I just wanted to throw myself into learning a new skill and not thinking about my love life. You’re known for being quite groomed. How do you keep yourself looking good? Well, when I’m rugby training I have to be quite disciplined. I’m a professional athlete so my body has to be in good condition. But I don’t deny myself the odd McDonalds or takeaway. I do like to look my best though. Ever since I was a teenager I’ve gelled my hair. I don’t straighten it but I might look into it! I love my fake tan as well. I’ve always been a bit of a modern man. What’s next for you? I’m defi nitely carrying on with my rugby. When I get back it’s the World Cup so I’m hoping to get selected for that. Professionally I’ve probably got about five years left of playing rugby. After that I’ll have to figure out what’s next. My main priority is being close to my kids Ruby, three and Dexter, two.
Above: With the girls on The Bachelor
Who will be Gavin’s girl? ● April Banbury, 22, Hertfordshire Pageant winner and fashion designer April has been single for two years now. She says she is looking for a guy who sees beyond her pretty face.
● Zivile Sataite, 21, Lithuania This girl says she is a true romantic and is looking for the one. Gavin will be pleased to know she’s no time waster and wants to settle down with her true love.
● Keshia Dyall, 22, Cheltenham Rihanna lookalike Keshia is a student by day and a barmaid by night. She admits she can be “in your face” but is a softie really. Her ideal date is some fl irty banter at the pub.
Has it been difficult seeing Charlotte move on with new man Jonathan Powell? All that happened a long time ago and I’ve defi nitely moved on. It wasn’t a nice thing to go through but it’s in the past now. The only contact we have is through the kids and I’m fi ne with that. I’m ready to fi nd a new woman in my life. So would you like to settle down and have a family? Defi nitely. I love kids and I’m lucky to already have two lovely children, but I defi nitely want more. I just need to fi nd the right girl! ● The Bachelor starts on Channel 5 on August 19.
● Georgie Barrett, 25, West Midlands Cruise ship singer Georgie has always put her career before fi nding love. But now she’s ready to settle down and fi nd the man of her dreams.
INTERVIEW BY FRANCINE ANKER
OK.CO.UK
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