‘I don’t wear T-shirts or shorts when it’s hot’
Why telly fave Rylan Clark-neal is covering up this summer…
Where did you go on your holidays as a kid?
Always a Spanish affair, like Torrevieja or somewhere like that. Standard British holiday destination on the Costas, but we also did the holiday camp thing back home. I loved it. One of my first crushes was a lady called Carla at Haven in Devon and she was a Bluecoat.
Was that where you got your taste for stardom?
That was it – Carla changed my life! I think it was her bleached blonde hair and her false lashes. But then again, maybe I wasn’t attracted to her, maybe I was just attracted to the lashes.
Where’s your favourite destination for holidays now?
We went to the Maldives and it was one of the best places I’ve been in the world and I think that set the bar for any holiday. I don’t think anything will beat it, so we’d like to go back there. Apart from that, Portugal or the Canaries – somewhere we can get a private villa and be locked away on our own. That’s what I love.
Is that what you loved about the Maldives?
Yes! I even took my top off there, it was amazing. Everyone loves a camera phone, but on the island we went to, there must have been about six couples and every couple must have been about a mile away from each other, so it was bliss. Ten days was perfect and then I was ready to get back to emails and work, and stuff like that. I’m not really a beach person, but it never gets boring there because it’s so boring that you get past getting bored. My daily commute was to cycle and get a coconut.
‘I cope with six layers of make-up’
What’s your go-to fashion item for the summer?
I’m the worst summer person because I hate my arms and legs, so I don’t wear T-shirts or shorts, but what I do like is a polo T-shirt that’s made out of that waffle fabric because they are so breathable.
But you’re a former model!
I know, but I just hate getting my legs out. And being a ginger kid as well, I always burned. My tan’s all painted on now. I am all over a flip-flop, but on a 30°C day, you’ll still see me rocking a Chelsea boot – in black. I cope with six layers of make-up and refresh every two hours! Shovelling it on!
The Love Island final is almost upon us…
I have never watched a single episode because I’m so loyal to Big Brother, which starts later this year. I’d feel dirty if I watched Love Island. I can’t wait. Big Brother’s Bit on the Side is my favourite telly gig.