I used to ghost girls after countless hook ups, but I’m ready to settle down now, insists Celebs Go Dating’s Gary Lucy
CELEBS Go Dating star Gary Lucy has admitted that he's ready to settle down again after enjoying his wild single days in his 20s.
The Hollyoaks star - who split from his wife, Natasha Grey, after four years together - said he struggled to meet women after his marriage ended, mainly because the dating world had drastically changed since his single days.
Gary, 41, confessed to having his fair share of "hook up" in his youth and would often "ghost" the other person if he lost interest.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Gary said: "I went on the rollercoaster ride of the dates on Celebs Go Dating; I've not really dated.
"I used to have nights out in Chinawhite and hook ups before I settled down with the mother of my children.
"I've had an awful experience of dating again, it's a whole new world now and when you're busy, where do you meet people.
"I'm a 40-year-old man now and I think there are a lot of people of my age, older and some younger, that kind of go s***, where do you go from here, where do you meet people?
"Where do you build a relationship, not meet people for a hook up, that was early 20s or late teens and I had no problems with that back then, I certainly had my cake and ate it.
"But where do you do it, dating apps? friends who are single? it's very difficult.
"I wouldn't trust dating apps, how do you know who you're talking to, how do you know someone's intentions, it could be a catfish."
The dad-of-two - who is dating Love Island's Laura Anderson - said he is now ready for something serious after calling time on his partying days.
He continued: "I'm not there to waste my time or anyone else's, I don't like upsetting people.
"Back in the day, I used to change my number or change my phone, which is an awful way to behave and I'm just being honest.
"That's upsetting, I think they call that ghosting now.
"It wasn't because I was being mean, I just don't like upsetting people.
"Surprisingly it's okay to just say thank you but let's not pursue this anymore."
The soap legend - who is currently appearing on E4's Celebs Go Dating - admitted that he threw himself into the dates and took on board the expert's feedback in a bid to find love.
"I've spent the last three and a half years travelling down, seeing the kids every other weekend, travelling back up to Liverpool working and I felt like I had no time to meet anyone or have those date nights and enjoy life experiences with someone," he said at the Celebs Go Dating's launch event.
"I was like f*** it and I signed up; it was a really mad experience."
Gary and Scottish beauty Laura have been sharing a series of loved-up snaps on social media.
The pair were also spotted enjoying a cosy day on the beach during the Celebs Go Dating finale.
The pair were pictured snuggling up as they filmed the final instalment of the series.
Laura confirmed their relationship after revealing to The Sun that their relationship was "blossoming", explaining: "I get on really well with Gary. It's blossoming.
"It's the happiest I've been in a long time."
The reality TV star continued: "Things are going really well for us, I wouldn't change anything."
Laura, 33, recently split from Another Level's Dane Bowers after a turbulent, five year on-and-off relationship with the musician.
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Gary split from his wife, Natasha Grey, after four years together, shortly after she confronted him over his "wild partying".
The new couple were spotted attending the Chrishell x Lipsy party-wear launch event last night, with Laura holding a single red rose and looking glamorous in a black mini dress.
