Calum Best: ‘I’ll be a great dad, when the time is right’
Calum Best reveals why he’s on a mission to help youngsters – and bag himself a good Irish girl…
Best columnist and all-round cheeky charmer Calum Best, 37, has teamed up with the NSPCC (National Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Children) on his latest project - the aptly named BestMe
LifeJournal, which aims to help the user stay positive and focused on their life goals.
The TV personality, who turned his back on a boozy, partyloving lifestyle some years ago, explains the heartbreaking reason behind his new venture and why – as a contestant himself on Celebrity
LoveIsland in 2005 – he hasn’t been tuning into this year’s LoveIsland. He also opens up about the death of his good friend, 2016 contestant
Gradon. Sophie Hi, Calum – what are you up to at the moment? Well, I’ve done television for as long as I can remember, and dabbled a bit in acting. However, I’ve reached a point now where I wanted to develop a business that was more concrete, and that’s the Best Me Life Journal. As for my personal life, I can really see myself settling down and having children, without a doubt. I will be a great dad when the time is right!
You’re single, but once said you’d like to marry a ‘good Irish girl’. Is that still the case?
For sure! The Irish have been backing me for as long as I can remember, and I get that it might be because of my father, George, but Ireland will always have a special place in my heart. Recently, I was put on the spot and asked if I would support Northern Ireland or England in the World Cup. Well, thankfully Northern Ireland weren’t playing! But if I could find myself a good Northern Irish missus, I’d be very happy.
Your father also gave us some famous sayings…
He did… His line,‘I gave up booze in 1969, and it was the worst 20 minutes of my life’ is one that the English can resonate with, as they enjoy a drink. Yet, the flip side is, I lost my father to those quotes. I love my dad, but it’s also my place to talk about the struggles that alcoholism can bring.
Would any prospective wife have to get the seal of approval from your mum, Angie?
I’d tell my mum to stay quiet [ laughs], although she recently joked that she didn’t want me to be with anyone, as I’d be buying them all the nice gifts instead. I’ll always take care of my mom, because she’s the only family I have. I’m sure she’ll ask some questions of her own without me knowing… not to scare off any ladies out there!
You starred in the celeb version of Love Island in 2005. Have you tuned into the show this year?
I’m sad to say no, I haven’t watched it, but I think those enjoying the experience should enjoy it to the full. I remember when I was just 22 and I did the very first series – I had the time of my life!
Can reality TV be tough if you’re not prepared? It shouldn’t be, but when a person is exposed to social media afterwards – well, then some people could end up really going in on themselves. Love Island star Sophie Gradon, who passed away recently, had been a friend of mine for years. I think TV bosses should monitor where people are at mentally very carefully before they go into these shows.
So tell us about your current collaboration with the NSPCC…
I’m a big user of social media, and from the messages I got from some followers, I realised that it’s actually a really good thing for kids to practise mindfulness and to be able to write their thoughts and feelings down, rather than bottling them up, and that’s where my journal comes into play. It’s a pretty simple tool, but an effective one.
Has the journal come a long way since you launched it last year?
It’s gone from strength to strength. Plus, by working with the NSPCC, it’s enabled me to reach a wider audience. I’m so passionate about this, because when children ring in with, for example, suicidal thoughts, it’s so shocking – and it really makes you think that something must be done. These kids have to be helped.
Would you have liked more help and support when you were growing up?
It wasn’t all doom and gloom. I had a cool mom [fellow best columnist Angie], and I had other people around me that I liked and trusted. I wouldn’t have changed my journey, as it’s made me who I am. I’ve had to go through all this madness – the highs and lows – to get where I am today. I’ve had a very blessed life, but if there are any problems in a family, I do know how they can affect you in the long-term.
Calum Best has teamed up with the NSPCC and Childline to raise awareness of his Best Me Life Journal. Childline’s free, 24-hour helpline is on 0800 1111