She’s seen her relationships hit the headlines ever since she dated Gladiator’s Hunter in 1996…and hasn’t been short on admirers ever since. But now Ulrika Johnson’s outsourcing her love life for the very first time, putting it in the very capable hands of Celebs Go Datingexperts Paul C Brunson and Anna Williamson.
The 54 year old says she wasn’t looking for anything in particular; but after three failed marriages (the last of which ended three years ago) and a recent “sexpedition” – which has seen her experience all kinds of “passion and filth” over the past few months thanks to some rigorous online dating – she’s been embracing the experts' advice.
Speaking to heat, the mum-of-four, who’s joined this series by reality stars including TOWIE’s Chloe Brockett, Made in Chelsea’s Miles Nazare and Married at First Sight’s Nikita Jasmine, tells us why, these days, she’s a lot less naïve when it comes to modern-day dating…
What made you join the agency?
My kids thought it would be a cool thing to do. I wasn’t looking for anything – I wouldn’t say I’m currently recruiting [for a partner], but I would definitely love to have someone in my life. I’m really happy in my own company, but I love to love and I love to be loved.
Did you go on a, gulp, journey’?
There were lots of emotional moments I wasn’t expecting. Anna and Paul were saying, ‘Come on, bring it!’ when it came to me knowing my worth and not putting myself in a corner. I learnt a lot from all the dates…I guess you learn more from bad dates than from the good ones!
Check out: the full Celebs Go Dating line-up
Celebs Go Dating A/W 2021
1 of 8Chloe Brockett
Despite her complicated love life as of late (she's been linked to co-stars James Lock, Gatsby and Love Island's turned Essex star Jack Fincham) TOWIE's Chloe Brockett is hoping the agents will be able to set her up with someone special this series.
2 of 8Miles Nazaire
Much like his Essex counterpart, Miles Nazaire has been at the centre of most of Made in Chelsea's love drama recently as he led both Ruby Adler and Maeva D'Ascanio's relationships astray - but that hasn't stopped him signing up for more.
3 of 8Nikita Jasmin
In news that will surprise absolutely no one, MAFS UK's most controversial contestant has made the move into reality TV following her shocking (and short-lived) stint on the show. Let's hope she can behave herself a bit better on her dates than she did at the MAFS dinner parties.
4 of 8Abz
Once one fifth of the biggest boyband of the 90s (that's 5ive, obv) Abz is signing up to the agency after attempting to relaunch his pop career with Boyz on the Block last year, comprised of other fledgling former pop stars, and a stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, where he came runner up. In 2015 he was spotted flogging his BRIT Award on eBay to fund a home gardening project.
5 of 8Ulrika Jonsson
Three years after her divorce from ad exec Brian Monet was finalised, Ulrika is hoping to find hubby number four through the agency. She famously revealed she hadn't had sex in eight years in 2019, so hopefully Paul and Anna can help her get some nookie.
6 of 8Ryan-Mark Parson
Ah yes, it's this guy. You may remember Mark-Ryan from The Apprentice in 2019 - but then again, you probably don't. He's now known as a political commentator and columnist for The Daily Star, but is evidently hoping to make the move to reality TV personality.
7 of 8Jessika Power
She infamously found fame on MAFS Australia but it looks like Jessika Power is set to become a hit on UK reality TV too.
8 of 8Marty McKenna
He's not the first and we doubt he'll be the last Geordie Shore star to feature on Celebs Go Dating. Here's hoping Marty McKenna will have better luck than Chloe Ferry, Charlotte Crosby and Nathan Genry.
How do you find the big bad world of dating in general?
Up until less than a year ago I had never been on a date – ever. I live in the back shit of beyond. I go for dog walks, I don’t go out. But I’ve recently tried online dating. I was so green when I started – there are so many catfish and my sister kept telling me, “That’s a fake profile!” Now I am so much wiser. People want to meet up for sex, that’s one thing. But I might not want that.
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Is it difficult to find romance in the public eye?
My entire life has been about people knowing more about me than I know about them. You’re immediately in a situation where it’s hard to engage because you’re not on a level playing field. That is always going to be hard. Also, people are intimidated and I don’t get that. I am the most basic person: children, dogs, garden. I am not a diva ever.
Celebs Go Dating is on E4 on Mondays at 9pm.