Love Island’s Adam Collard insists ‘I’m a changed man’ as he signs up for Celebs Go Dating

Known as the bad boy of Love Island, Adam Collard is hoping to show his softer side on his upcoming appearance on Celebs Go Dating.

The 27-year-old has already started filming the E4 series and is searching for love, alongside the likes of Vanessa Feltz and Lottie Moss.

Due to his reputation with women, Adam – who previously dated Love Island contestants Rosie Williams, Zara McDermott and Paige Thorne – is keen to put his ladies’ man image behind him.

“I’ve caused drama in the past and I’m trying to learn from that,” he tells OK!.

As well as discussing his latest TV venture, Adam gives his verdict on the latest series of the ITV2 show where he made his name.

Adam returned to the villa four years after his first crack at love, so we’re keen to get his insight into previous Islander Kady McDermott’s comeback.

Here, Geordie lad Adam talks all things Love Island, dating rumours, and his love of fitness…

Hi, Adam! What are your thoughts on Kady returning to the Love Island villa?

It was always going to be really difficult for Kady going back in. I can totally see why she said yes, though. I did it, too – it’s an amazing opportunity. I’ll be honest, I probably wasn’t in the best place at the time to go back in there and find a connection. Plus, Kady is even older than me in terms of Love Island years and, if I found the jump between my original series and going back in tough, I can’t imagine what she’s going through.

Why did you find the jump in time diffcult?

The biggest problem now, I think, is there are too many people asking, “How much do you get paid for this?” The reason people go on the show just isn’t real any more. Seasons four and five were probably the most successful because no one really cared about being famous. We made our own arguments and love stories because it was genuine, with real feelings. I don’t think you get that now as people just want to be the next Love Island star.

How can you tell if a romance is real or fake?

Zara [McDermott] and I lived together for a year after the show – you’re not faking it if you’re living together. You can see how different it is nowadays. People are trying to self-produce their personalities.

Has reality TV taught you anything?

I’ve learned that I love it and I need it [laughs]. It’s a tricky one. In the past, my defence mechanisms made me pretend I live this “party boy lifestyle”, but if you saw me at home, I’m completely different. I’ve learned from that.

Love Island hasn’t put you off finding love, though. How’s your experience on Celebs Go Dating been so far?

It’s going great. I’m someone who will grab any opportunity and, when I got offered this, I had to say yes. I thought, I’m going to learn something about myself, and if I find somebody, then that would be a bonus.

Is there anything on the show that has surprised you?

Yes, the agents are actually real experts – I hadn’t realised that. They genuinely try to help you. Paul Carrick Brunson is a smooth operator – I want his calming voice on my sat nav!

Are there any secrets you can spill?

Things are very under wraps for the moment, but what I will say is there are a lot more shocks, twists and turns than viewers will be expecting, especially compared to past seasons. They’ve spiced things up. There are some real testing moments coming up.

Have you grown close to anyone?

Everyone on the show is great. I opened my phone this morning and saw something about me and Chloe [Burrows]. I love that girl but it’s not anything romantic. If I put anyone on my Instagram a lot, they’re not the people you need to worry about! She’s absolutely class, I can’t believe how funny she is – but it’s purely platonic.

What about your fellow contestant Lottie Moss?

[Laughs] Oh, yes. Watch the show. That’s all I’m going to say.

So, what are you looking for in a partner?

Honestly, I really don’t know. That’s why I’m on the show, so the experts can guide me. In the past, I’ve tried both public and private relationships – ones in the limelight, with people who have a lot of Instagram followers, and ones that are more reserved. Neither has worked so far. I have two exes who I have a lot of time and respect for, and have nothing bad to say about – and neither of those were in the public eye. Then I have the two that everyone saw on TV, and they’re my two least successful relationships.

You must have a ‘type’ though?

I definitely have a type when it comes to looks – we all know that by now – but personality-wise, I’m not sure. I also think I’ve caused drama in the past and I’m trying to learn from that.

In what way are you trying to learn from past mistakes?

I’m more confident in myself now, and I no longer have to be the loudest person in the room. I know what I bring to the table.

Are you saying you’ve changed from being a “ladies’ man”?

Paul will laugh, but the experts say I have a hidden softer side. I know I’ve played up in the past – everyone knows what happened on Love Island in 2018 – and people still expect that. I know people have opinions about me but honestly, if you put anyone
in that situation, it’s difficult.

Speaking of difficult situations, how are your Ironman long-distance triathlons going?

I completed one on 26 June, and another on 2 July. There was meant to be a third, but I had to pull out of that one, which was the easiest of the three, as I had to have an MRI scan and X-ray on my knee. I pulled out because experts were saying I’d cause myself some serious damage.

That sounds awful. Are you OK?

I can still do the average gym session, but there’s nerve damage in my right knee. The Ironman is deemed the hardest endurance event in the world, and includes swimming, cycling and running a marathon. It is mind blowing, but I did it to raise funds for Marie Curie – a charity close to my heart, as they looked after my grandma when she passed away. Plus, I just love all things fitness. It helps to keep me on the straight and narrow!

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