I was pig-headed when I had an affair – I had to learn the world doesn’t revolve around me, says Jessika Power

MARRIED At First Sight Australia star Jessika Power, 30, talks to Molly Reynolds about fame and trying to find The One.

The word that comes to mind when I think about dating is “scared”, but at 30 years old I can’t keep myself from the dating world because I’m terrified.

I’ve dated a lot of idiots, but I can’t put everyone in the same category.

I was only 27 when I took part in series six of Married At First Sight Australia, but it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life because it taught me a lot about myself.

Even though it didn’t end well [she didn’t finish the show with her expert-matched husband Mick Gould, after getting together with fellow contestant Daniel Webb behind his back], it taught me what I needed to fix about myself in order to be in a healthy relationship.

I was conceited, pig-headed and thought the whole world revolved around me.

Watching it back, I thought: “How could someone love me when it’s clear I don’t love myself?” I was alone for a long time after that because I was healing. 

Then last year, after I finished Celebrity Big Brother in Australia, I thought I would take a risk and, in October, I moved to Manchester.

Though I have a lot of fans in the UK, it’s nowhere near the magnitude that it is back home. 

In Australia I had anxiety about leaving the house, because if I went to the store somebody would come up to me.

But if I’m on a first date here in the UK, I know I can sit down with the guy and not have people asking for photos. 

Not long after I moved, I got invited to be on E4’s Celebs Go Dating. I thought: “Do I really want to go back into dating?”

I watched the show and saw that the agents [Anna Williamson and Paul Brunson] actually help you with your dating woes, so I said yes.

I love to learn about myself and I’ve been single since last March.

That’s a long time, because I crave companionship, plus I’m in the UK, which is a new pond [of men].

So even if I’m not able to find the perfect guy on the show (though I’m hoping I will), it still puts out that I’m here. I’m just looking for the perfect English gentleman. 

Dating as someone in the public eye means I can have trust issues.

I’m an influencer so I work predominantly online, but I’ll always put my phone down for the person I care about. 

Jessika Power

With guys I can think: “Why do you want to date me? Is it because I’ve been on TV? Or do you want to date me because I’m Jess?”

I’ve dated guys who’ve used me to get into the media.

At first, I couldn’t spot it – I’d just run into things and ignore the red flags because I’m in love with the idea of being in love.

But now, I won’t allow them into my online world for a while, just to see how they are with it.

If they’re pushing to be on my Instagram, I’m like: “You’re not here for the right reasons.” 

In the past, I’ve been really reserved about what I want from a partner because 

I don’t want to sound like a psycho, but I want somebody who treats me with the utmost respect.

I’ve often dated guys that are horrible and the attention they’re supposed to show me, they’re actually showing to another girl. 

I’ve got ADHD so I talk a lot and ask questions 24/7. I’m also very independent and wealthy off my own back, so I don’t need anything from a guy.

Jessika Power

I want someone who’s low-key obsessed with me because I’m obsessed with them!

If I’m upset, I want my boyfriend to sit next to me and go: “What’s going on, babe?”, and a lot of guys don’t do that. They’re so consumed with their friends or the internet.

I’m an influencer so I work predominantly online, but I’ll always put my phone down for the person I care about. 

I still really want to get married one day, despite it not working out on MAFS.

All my family have got married and had kids, and I’m like: “When’s my time?’’

It’s difficult to find a man who can match my energy and not be intimidated by it.

I’ve got ADHD so I talk a lot and ask questions 24/7.

I’m also very independent and wealthy off my own back, so I don’t need anything from a guy.

I’ll tell them: “I don’t need you, I want you.”  

• Watch Celebs Go Dating, Monday-Thursday, 9pm, E4.