Stu’s bizarre tribute

According to insiders, Stu has been “obsessed” with Sophie for years – so it’s no surprise the pub mogul posted about his crush on social media ahead of appearing on the show. In Instagram posts that have since been deleted Stu, 44, shared a magazine page featuring Soph with the caption “#glamour”. And in another post, he uploaded a photo of Sophie on the first episode. “Very enjoyable,” he wrote.

As if he hadn’t made his feelings plain enough, he then allegedly told a friend he wished she was his girlfriend.

Meanwhile, as a dad to four daughters, it’s important to Stu he gets their seal of approval when it comes to a new partner. And he already thinks his girls will love Sophie!

“She’d make a great stepmum. She’s open about wanting kids, and mine are pretty amazing,” says Stu, who is tipped to be frontrunner for Sophie’s affections.