Love Island's Olivia Attwood may now be a year into her marriage with footballer Bradley Dack – and happier than ever in her relationship – but Olivia would be the first to admit that hasn’t always been the case.
The 33-year-old 2017 Love Island runner-up admits to heat that she’s had her fair share of bad boyfriends over the years. That’s why the reality star and documentary maker is the perfect person to host a brand-new show called Olivia Attwood’s Bad Boyfriends, which sees her whipping serial cheaters and commitment-phobes in to better partners.
Luckily Olivia’s bad relationships are behind her and she can relish date nights at the cinema in her pyjamas with Brad, 30, who is apparently the living embodiment of the smiling-face emoji. It’s alright for some!
We caught up with her to chat about date nights, fitness and more…
You’re fronting a new show called Olivia Attwood’s Bad Boyfriends. Have you ever had a bad boyfriend?
I’ve dated every loser you can imagine – from cheats, to liars to mummy’s boys. You name it, I’ve had it.
Have you ever been a bad girlfriend?
For sure! It would be completely stupid of me to say no. I’ve had bad boyfriends, but I’ve definitely been a royal pain in the arse, too. I used to push the boundaries of acceptable behaviour quite a bit.
You’re now loved-up with your husband Brad – do you still go on date nights?
Absolutely! Because I’m always dressing up for work, my ideal date night is a trip to Nando’s followed by the cinema. Anywhere I can wear a tracksuit, sign me up. I’ve even gone to the cinema in PJs before.
You had your one-year anniversary a few months ago. How do you think you’ve changed since getting married?
I think it changes the way you look at relationships. When you make that commitment to someone, you know that you’re in it together, forever. No matter what hurdles come up, you know that you’re going to work through it. And it’s about how we tackle those hurdles together. It’s not always going to be like the honeymoon period, you have to actually put work in. You can’t expect 50/50 constantly – it doesn’t exist. Sometimes Brad is giving 90% and I’m giving 10%. Sometimes you have to carry your partner a little bit, and sometimes they have to carry you – that’s what makes a healthy relationship.
How do you make sure that you’re making time for each other?
Be present and try not to talk about work. And have fun – because that’s why you fall in love. I think life can get a bit serious when you get married, get the house, get the dog and you’ve got bills to pay. Remembering to have fun is important.
Brad was a guest on your podcast So Wrong It’s Right recently. Do you enjoy it when he comes into your world?
We did [reality series] Olivia Meets Her Match together, so he got thrust into my world through that. He likes dipping his toe in and I think he actually finds it quite fun in small doses – although he’d never admit that – but he couldn’t do it every day, which is fine. I think that’s why our relationship works. We each have our own identities and our own passions. That’s healthy and it creates space for us both to do our own thing.
You recently launched Three UK’s first social fitness hub, which aims to teach people the real meaning behind emojis. Which emoji would you say best sums you up?
I always use the melting one – I love it. I use it when I’m knackered, so excited I’ve melted, hot… I’m just constantly melting.
Which emoji best sums up Brad?
Any of the smiling emojis, because he’s a happy guy and is always smiling. Or something sports-related, like a football.
Olivia has launched Three UK’s Mind, Body & Scroll, the world’s first social fitness hub, to strengthen our sense of togetherness and belonging in our networks