Gary Lucy found Celebs Go Dating hard

Gary Lucy found 'Celebs Go Dating' "really difficult".

The former 'Hollyoaks' actor - who found love on the show with fellow contestant Laura Anderson - admitted he doesn't see his future in reality television after taking part in the dating series because he found it difficult having to open up about himself on camera.

He said: “I’ve done 'Dancing On Ice' but this is completely different.

“This felt like I was really putting myself out there.

“I did a deep dive in. The agents really probed me and I got upset.

“It was a really difficult experience but a worthwhile one.

“Reality TV is hard. I couldn’t do this for a living.”

The 40-year-old actor - who split from wife Natasha in 2018 - had rejected multiple approaches to go on the show but eventually gave in as he is ready to settle down again.

He told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: “They have asked me for the last three years and I’ve always said no.

“But I am 40 now and the reality is it is really hard to meet new people.

“I am career driven but what is the point of a nice career if you don’t have someone to share your life experiences with?

“I deserve more than just working all the time.

“I want to go to nice restaurants, nice holidays, have roast dinner on a Sunday, and enjoy cuddles on the couch.

“I need that and I miss it so much.”

Gary admitted he hadn't done much dating in the past, despite his womanising reputation in his 20s.

He said: “I’ve been painted out to be a womaniser but I have only had three or four proper relationships in my life.

“One of which was obviously the mother of my kids.

“Yes, I did sleep around a lot when I was younger but I don’t have much experience when it comes to dating.

“It was either hook-ups while clubbing or long-term relationships.

“I was made out to be a lothario. The truth is I then spent a lot of my life trying to live up to that image.

“I used to throw phones away or get new numbers all the time because I was avoiding girls.

“I know it is pathetic. I was childish but all I have ever wanted is a life long partner to settle down with and build a nice life with.

“I did what I did when I was younger but it was never really me.”