Celebs Go Dating ‘s expert Paul Carrick Brunson has found a “little brother for life” in Curtis Pritchard – but their time on the show together didn’t get off to the best start.
US mentor Paul, 46, has been a favourite with viewers since his 2018 debut, and this year is returning to coach an all-star cast on Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion.
One of the famous faces heading to the esteemed dating agency is none other than Curtis Pritchard, who rose to prominence on the 2019 summer season of Love Island.
While Paul is beloved for his impartial, measured words of wisdom on the show, he confessed that, at first, he wasn’t Curtis’ biggest fan.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, Paul said: “I don’t know any of the celebs before they come in. I never have known any of them. However, this time around, I knew Curtis.”
Mentor and entrepreneur Paul launched his matchmaking firm PCB Agency back in 2009
Paul had watched Curtis’ appearance on Love Island, which saw him get wrapped up in a rocky romance with Amy Hart, before falling for Irish newcomer Maura Higgins.
However, after witnessing Curtis’ behaviour on the ITV2 reality show, Paul wasn’t too keen on the professional dancer.
He said: “The reason why I knew him is because, I’ve been in the UK for three years, and I remember people telling me I needed to watch Love Island.
“It just so happened that I watched the Love Island that Curtis was on. It just so happened Amy Hart was on that one too.
Curtis became a household name after his stint on the 2019 summer season of Love Island (Image: ITV)
“Curtis I really knew, because I remember saying ‘I don’t like this guy’ while I was watching Love Island.”
However, once Curtis appeared in the agency, Paul’s opinion of him changed completely, and they grew to form a strong friendship.
Paul explained: “He started as someone who I intentionally did not like. And if you fast forward to the end of The Mansion, he’s probably my favourite celebrity that’s ever been in the Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion.
“He’s going to be my little brother for life. Anything he needs, I’m going to be there for him.”
Curtis will be joined by Karim Zeroual, Chloe Ferry, Sophie Hermann, Kimberley Hart Simpson, Tom Zanetti and Wayne Lineker in the agency (Image: Rachel Joseph)
Entrepreneur Paul, who launched his matchmaking firm PCB Agency back in 2009, was impressed by Curtis’ commitment to the agency, having truly listened to the experts’ advice.
Showing his vulnerable side, Curtis opened up about his split from Maura during series, discussing their relationship before the camera for the first time.
Paul explained: “And the reason why is because, and you’re going to see it in his journey, is that he was going through some really hard things.
“He talked about his relationship with Maura for the first time. He really went through the emotions and the challenges he’s had with life.
Paul revealed that Curtis “talked about his relationship with Maura for the first time” (Image: Internet Unknown)
“What I most appreciate is that every time Anna [Williamson] and I suggested that he do something, he did it to the best of his ability. And he learned, and he evolved.”
Reflecting on Curtis’ journey, Paul added: “I think that Curtis Pritchard walked into the Celebs Go Dating agency a boy, and I believe that he walked out of the Celebs Go Dating agency a man.”
While Celebs Go Dating is typically filmed in a London townhouse, for the 2021 series, producers swapped locations for a sprawling Surrey mansion.
Filmed over the course of a month, the intense filming schedule and close quarters of the production bubble meant the experts got to know the contestants like never before.
Paul C Brunson and Anna Williamson are due to return to coach the celebs
Paul explained: “We were there every day with these celebs. What’s interesting is that you get a chance to see them in the agency, you get a chance to see them during what we call our ‘breakfast dilemmas,’ which you’ll see.
“But the biggest lessons came when you were just walking in the hallway, and you’d see Tom Zanetti walking by with his robe on, and his head is down because he’s disappointed about something that’s happened.”
The revamped format also showed another side to Chloe Ferry, who rose to fame on the infamous MTV party show Geordie Shore.
Paul said: “Chloe is someone who I think the world is completely confused on who she is. I was confused on who she was until you see her one on one, sitting in the corner, looking outside.
“And she doesn’t have her phone, so she’s forced to have a deep conversation, if you know what I mean.”
Promising exciting scenes to come, he added: “We got a chance to know these celebrities to a degree that we’ve never been able to do before.”
Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion premieres Monday 25 at 9pm on E4
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
