‘I’ve got some top isolation dating tips!’
Hollyoaks Favourites star Jorgie Porter is coming up with smart ways to date while we’re all in lockdown
If you want to put a smile on your face during these uncertain times, look no further than Jorgie Porter. The former Hollyoaks actress is entertaining the nation with her hilarious Instagram and TikTok videos, and when we catch up with her for a chat, it’s constant laughter from start to finish.
Jorgie, 32, and fellow former co-star Kieron Richardson are also hosting Hollyoaks Favourites, which sees the pair talking us through the funniest, saddest and most shocking storylines in the show’s history.
And Jorgie enjoyed every minute of it, telling us it’s still one of her most-loved shows to watch. But right now, when she’s not in front of the box, Jorgie is busy cooking for her mum, working out and going on online dates with boys she’s meeting on her new fave dating app.
Here, she tells us all about it…
Hey Jorgie! How are you managing your isolation at the moment?
So far I’ve done really well. I wake up at 7am and go on a run. It’s like an apocalyptic ghost town so I run how I want – or walk, or crawl on my knees [laughs]. Then, when I get home, I catch up with The Kardashians on TV and I might have a little nap after that because we have loads of the day to still get through!
Are you getting any other workouts in?
Yeah, I’ve got a Hula Hoop. I found it in my attic and it’s hard. Doing it one way is one thing but doing it the other is super difficult. I want a Beyoncé-style waist, but I think it just hacks away at your skin
– I don’t actually know if it does anything.Then onYouTube I’ll type in “10-minute ab workout” and I’ll do that on the yoga mat.
Are you trying meditation or anything like that?
I’ve always done it without realising I think. Because I’m quite hyper, before I go into an event or job
I’ll have some quiet time where I’ll gather all my thoughts and work out what’s ahead of me. I do that generally now, too. I just look out of the window and thoughts just come in and I breathe them out.
And are you doing a lot of cooking?
Yes! My mum is next door to me so we’re in isolation together and I’ve been making her food because she’s not a very good cook. But I’ve never cooked before in my life! Now I’m making things like miso aubergine tacos. I’m an absolute star in the kitchen! I’m bowled over, I would never have thought I could do that. Mum stands on a little chair in her garden and I stand on a little chair in mine and we talk and swap food over the wall.
You have a dog, too. Is she helping get you through?
Yeah, she’s just the best. She’s a rescue dog with one ear called Lady. We have cuddles all day.
What are you watching at the moment?
I just can’t get enough of Tiger King on Netflix. I’ve seen it all, it’s incredible – just insane. And Euphoria on NOW TV is also amazing. It’s like an American version of Hollyoaks. I also love This Morning so much – I always want to write or call in. I’m such a fan of Phil and Holly. And Loose Women, they’re so funny. I just aspire to be Denise Welch.
How are you keeping in touch with your mates?
I’m FaceTiming them all the time and that takes up a good few hours in the evening. I’m chatting to old friends I haven’t spoken to for a while, too.
It’s so nice.
And we’ve seen that you’re also busy on TikTok doing some fun videos?
I watch these other videos and I think,“That’s so good, I’m going to do that.” Then I realise I can never recreate it as well. My first videos, I was back at the TikTok offices where they were showing me how to do them.Then all these people from the States were like,“Who is this? Why is she verified?” And then I started getting called “the CEO of out of time” [laughs]. It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.
And how is your isolation pampering going?
I realised my tash was getting long the other day. So I got a wax strip and put it above the lip, stripped it off and my actual skin came with it! So I had a red burn mark the shape of a handlebar on my face that then scabbed over right in the corner of my mouth – trying to eat was so painful. So I’m not doing any more beauty things at home
– I’d rather just have a tash.
What about dating?
I’ve joined a dating app. It’s not Tinder – I got kicked off there because they didn’t think it was really me! But this one is great. I’m liking everyone. In the current situation, I can’t really pass up any opportunities! I’ve been doing some Skype dates, too. It’s a bit nerve-wracking and you don’t know who’s in their house. Someone from their family might pop up in the window. So you’re a bit on edge. And you want to look good, but not too good because you don’t want to look like you’ve made an effort, so you need to find the right light. I find the telly light works. On my date we wanted to find an activity to do so we played chess to take the mind off face-to-face talking.You have to be creative. My friend did a painting class with her date. So that’s my top isolation dating tip!
‘You have to be creative on Skype dates – it’s a bit nervewracking’
What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is all over?
I’ve had dreams about this. I don’t know whether to run to London and try to party there. Or maybe have a street party here where I live – I think that’s the plan with the neighbours.
So tell us about Hollyoaks Favourites…
It’s so exciting! But I’m a bit nervous because I know how cringe I am.