Wes: “Having a relationship in the public eye messes with your head”
Love Island star Wes Nelson opens up on his split with Arabella Chi, and why he wants to change the reality star stereotype
He found fame on Love Island in 2018 so, naturally, Wes Nelson’s romantic life has gripped fans ever since.
After leaving the villa as runner-up alongside his then-girlfriend, glamour model Megan Barton-Hanson – controversially dumping Laura Anderson midway through the series – the former engineer has gathered a huge following, thanks to his stints on other reality shows and his celebrity relationships.
But Wes, 22 – who is currently single – tells Closer that dating in the public eye has come at a price. He says, “It’s been very difficult – people having an opinion on everything you do… For example, I go to a club appearance. And if one picture gets out on the wrong angle, it may look like I’m hugging or close to someone. And that’s all your partner reads. It messes with your head... I actually have to think about the way I hug people. It’s a whole new level.”
His relationship with Megan – who he moved in with just three days after returning from the villa and shared a pet hamster with – ran its course after just six months.
The couple split following Megan’s public feud with Wes’ Dancing On Ice partner, Vanessa Bauer.
DIFFICULT
Wes then briefly dated blogger Alicia “Lissy” Roddy before settling down with Love Island 2019 star, Arabella Chi. They moved in together last December but called time on their relationship in April.
Wes – who starred on The X Factor:
Celebrity last year with Love Island supergroup The Islanders – recently announced he’s signed a solo record deal with EMI Records and reveals his focus on music drove Arabella and him apart.
He says, “I’m throwing myself into my music and am up until 7am sometimes, talking to people in LA. It’s very difficult to have a relationship, obviously, if you’re not going to bed with your partner and you’re not waking up with them. I was working antirelationship hours. I’m in a position now where I can’t give someone my best, so I’m just going to be single. We’ve both accepted it and moved on. It’s a shame, but there you go.”
And Wes adds his close friendship with Love Island co-star Josh Denzel – who he moved in with after his break-up from Arabella – helped him move on.
DISTRACTING
He says, “Josh was so great to me, and helped distract me. He and our other housemate Jon were so supportive of my music, too. It was so nice to be living with my two best friends. I’ve since moved out, but they’re only ten minutes from me, which is great.”
Wes has surprised fans with his dancing and skating talents on Dancing On Ice – where he came runner-up – and his singing talents on The X Factor. But he worries his background as a reality star could scupper his chances as a musician.
He says, “In the music industry, [being a reality star] can be detrimental. People have this vision of you through television and social media. It’s difficult to change that. But if the music’s good, what can people say? That’s the goal – watch this space.”
By Rebecca Greenow
● Wes has teamed up with Tideway to warn of the dangers of swimming in the River Thames. Visit Tideway.london
‘I work antirelationship hours… I can’t give someone my best’