PERRI KIELY
Eat your heart out, Piers – revenge is sweet for our newly-crowned Casanova
Congrats on winning heat’s highest accolade!
Thanks, I am truly buzzing. I’ve been so low-key, saying it’s no big deal [being on the voting shortlist], because I didn’t think I’d make it. But I’d have been heartbroken if I didn’t.
How does it feel to have knocked Piers Morgan off his high horse?
I’m very happy. Piers thinks a lot of himself, so it’s good to knock him down a bit. Plus, I know he was a Britain’s Got Talent judge when we won, but he actually voted against Diversity, so this is the ultimate revenge!
What do you reckon gave you the edge?
I think it was my dashing good looks, the four eyes…
The modesty?
Exactly. Being all-round humble… Also, I did strip on TV last year [in The Full Monty], so maybe that’s why.
We’ve known you since you were 13. Now that you’re 25, are you happy that fans can appreciate you as a fully-fledged heartthrob?
Yes, I’m the man! I think people have finally discovered I don’t live in Neverland, I’ve grown up – and now I’ve won Secret Crush. Literally, I reckon my life has been leading me to this moment. I can’t wait to tell my mum – she’ll be ecstatic.
Where are you going to keep the award?
Strapped to my chest at all times. I’m not hiding it in my house. I’ll carry it around like it’s my only friend.
What do the Diversity gang think?
Jordan [Banjo, his Kiss FM co-presenter] was actually really happy for me. I thought he’d be gutted that I won. But he must be burning with jealousy, and I’ll be rubbing it in everyone’s faces.
What does your girlfriend [production assistant Laura Smith] make of the honour?
She’s going to be very proud, and I’ll be rubbing it in her face, too. How lucky is she, to be dating the winner of heat Secret Crush 2021?
Have you got any big plans for Valentine’s Day?
This is actually my first Valentine’s ever with a girlfriend. It’s a big one, so the award will definitely be coming out. But she can’t touch it. n
‘I feel like my whole life has been leading up to this’