He was one of the breakout stars on Love Island series five with fans loving his funny and eccentric personality. Now on his third dating show stint – after Love Island and Love Island: All Stars – with Celebs Go Dating, Chris Taylor hasn’t changed a bit. We caught up with the serial dater (who counts Islanders Maura Higgins and Harley Brash as exes) and sometime Hollywood star about aging backwards and, er, getting his willy pierced…
You’re turning 34 at the end of the month. Do you think you’ve matured with age?
I think if anything, I’ve regressed. I feel like a 19 year old – I’ve even picked up skating again! I don’t do many things that adults do when I think about it. I’m like Benjamin Button, but from a mental perspective. Maybe a physical one, as well, because I go to the gym and for a run pretty much every day, so I’m probably feeling the best I’ve felt.
How come you’ve picked up skating again?
I’m working on a campaign with YouTube Shorts to encourage people to do more of that kind of stuff and take risks, even though it is a bit embarrassing.
You seem pretty adventurous – just look at all your piercings…
I’ve got both my nipples done. I don’t have the piercing that you might think I have… Yet.
We’re guessing you mean down there…
If I got it done, I’d have to wee sitting down for the rest of my life. I do like to do a sit-down wee as a treat, but I don’t know if having to do that every day would be as fun. It’d just be impractical, wouldn’t it? I’m not really seeing any benefits.
What about your tattoos – have you got any more planned?
I’ve just had Thor put on my Marvel sleeve… and I’m getting Spider-Man on my inner arm. I’m not going to get any on my neck, hands or face, though – I like the idea that if I’ve got a suit on, I can still look like I’m clean-cut, even though I know I’m not. And most people know that I’m not…
We loved seeing you back on our screens for Love Island: All Stars –what was that experience like?
It was a very different ball game compared to the first time, because I was in there from day one this time. It was still the same spacehopper of emotions, but when you enter on day one, it’s a lot more enjoyable. The first time around, I had the graveyard shift. I was dropped into Casa Amor as a late bombshell when everybody was settled in their couples. I mean, the second time around still didn’t work out for me – but such is life!
You’re on Celebs Go Dating. What made you sign up?
They approached me, but the reason I said yes was because there’s a lot of value in going through the process. On Celebs Go Dating, you get the support of the agents, so you get that coaching. Let’s face it – I’m 33, I’m single and I’ve been on two reality dating shows, so clearly I need more help. It’s been a good experience so far and hopefully I’ll be equipped to get a girlfriend out of it.
What’s the biggest thing that you’ve learned about yourself?
That I have zero filter! I’m honing my ability to read a room, so I know when to shut up.
How are the other contestants?
We’re all supportive of each other and there’s not been anyone who’s been a diva. It’s very much brotherly/sisterly vibes with the female contestants, like Lauryn Goodman and Helen Flanagan – there’s not any attraction in that sense.
Chris is supporting YouTube’s Limited Edition Collection to celebrate the rise in niche hobbies. To apply for a T-shirt and for more info, visit Everpress.