STILL IN SEARCH OF LOVE

Reality TV romeo Alex McKay has failed in his pursuit of love — again. Rosemary Ball asks why he puts himself through it

ALEX McKay has been left unlucky in love again after his second attempt of reality TV show dating.

The 26-year-old Gold Coaster made his exit on Bachelor in Paradise this week after agreeing his connection with Keira Maguire was nothing more than friendship.

McKay entered the limelight last year when he got down to the final six vying to win the heart of the bubbly blonde Angie Kent for The Bachelorette.

So after two unsuccessful attempts of reality TV love, ATG has quizzed McKay on why it’s so difficult to find “the one” in real life.

ATG: Why did you try reality TV dating?

ALEX: “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and I haven’t had a girlfriend before. I felt if I stuck to my normal life routine, I wasn’t going to find a special someone. I am coming up to 27. I want to find myself a partner.”

ATG: There’s plenty of single girls on the Gold Coast. What’s wrong with us?

ALEX: “Where do I start … I prefer more natural-looking girls rather than the plastic surgery. Maybe there is a girl for me on the Gold Coast but I am yet to find it.”

ATG: Did you enjoy your time on the show?

ALEX: “I loved my experience on there. I know a lot of people cannot say the same. It was an environment I want to be apart of. I stayed true to myself and I knew my experience was going to be good – and it was.”

ATG: What is your opinion of fellow contestant Jamie Doran taking legal action against Network 10?

ALEX: “I think reality TV gets a bad name for itself. They can’t portray you as someone you are not if you stick to your true personality – you have only got yourself to blame.”

ATG: They say third time’s a charm. Would you try TV dating again?

ALEX: “If any opportunity came up to return, I would be silly not to go on.”

ATG: You have lots of interesting tattoos, including one of Angie Kent holding a rose with her hands bleeding. What’s your favourite?

ALEX: “My favourite is my back piece – an angel holding a cross. My dad passed away three years ago and it means my dad always having my back.”

ATG: Have you got a message for Gold Coasters?

ALEX: “Only that I am single and ready for love.”