LOVE Island’s Adam Maxted has candidly opened up on his two stints on the show – admitting he used telly fame for a “platform” for fitness success.
The Belfast lad is continuing to strive towards his dream of becoming a professional wrestler and, while he’s grafting hard for it and juggling roles in the wellbeing sector, he exclusively told us how the ITV2 matchmaking series helped “get his name out there.”
Adam, who starred in the regular series in 2015 and All Stars last year, candidly told The Sun he was “happy to say that – because everyone does.”
The 2023 show bombshell found a spark with model Arabella Chi, 33 – with the duo having since split– yet after returning back from South Africa he has got straight back into his normal job and routine.
Adam now combines his wrestling training with working as a PT and as a mindset coach, focussing on self-development.
He frankly told us he “wasn’t on the show because he was desperate to find someone, or be Instagram famous, or known as a celebrity.”
Adam, who recently re-located to Manchester, said: “I’m still pursuing my pro wrestling career so I used it for that sort of platform.”
Talking of his spot in the spin off he added: “If I go in there and there’s a vibe with someone, which there was a vibe, then I would be open to it.
“But the chances of going on that show and actually finding someone it is rare.
“I always went in with a mindset that the chances are quite slim and I think most people are using that show to get themselves out there in one way or another.
“I’m 32 – I’m not just wanting to be labelled as ‘oh you’re Adam from Love Island.”
SECOND STAB
Adam first found TV fame on the second series of the matchmaking programme, which aired way back in 2015.
He paired up with Katie Salmon, with the pair finishing in fourth place.
Opening up on his reasoning for his second stint further, he told us: “It was eight years since I did the show and when they messaged me last year and I though do you know what, it might be a good way to show the mature side of me now and how I’ve grown up and all the stuff I am working on now.
Love Island All Stars break-ups
Anton Danyluk and Georgia Harrison
Fans had hoped the popular pair would stand the test of time but just weeks after leaving the villa they called it a day.
Distance was said to be a factor with 400miles between their homes in Essex and Aidrie, Scotland, respectively.
But today Anton set the record straight on the What’s The Crack? podcast with his mum Sherrie-Ann.
He said: “I just don’t think there was really that romantic spark there. We did both try. At times it was there but just not enough for it to continue as a relationship.”
Jess Gale and Callum Jones
The fourth placed finishers always faced on uphill battle given many watching the latest series wanted Callum to reunite with his ex Molly Smith.
The fireworks from the Boohoo party row put an end to the romance before it really got off the floor.
Arabella Chi and Adam Maxted
This visually striking pairing bloomed late in the series. Despite forming a close bond in the villa, the couple quickly went cold in the real world.
Wrestler Adam was based in Northern Ireland while model Arabella moved into a new pad in London. Even though Adam revealed he was moving to Manchester, it wasn’t enough to save them.
They vowed to remain good friends and split on good terms.
Luis Morrison and Demi Jones
In another case of distance getting in the way, Luis admitted the 240 miles between Manchester and Portsmouth was just too much.
He told The Sun: “Me and Demi aren’t together, but she was a huge part of my Love Island experience and she is one of the most loveliest, most beautiful girls I’ve ever met.
“The connection was definitely there when leaving the villa too.
“But the distance was a killer for us both and wouldn’t of worked as we are both at different parts of the country, we both have really busy schedules coming off love island too.”
“Yes my fitness stuff and all my wrestling but its the life coaching, mind coaching and self development – all of that.
“I was like I might as well do it and see what happens.
“I knew that I literally wanted to go on that show to get my name out there as a professional wrestler and if anything great came of it, then great.”
As well as his “big goal” of wrestling professionally – which may see him move to the States – Adam told us how his new mindset coaching role allows him to work with young people, especially young men, in boosting their self confidence.
“I knew that I literally wanted to go on that show to get my name out there as a professional wrestler and if anything great came of it, then great
Adam Maxted
He told us: “I am really wanting to get into that and build a community and help overcome these things.
“Really I want to work with people now, especially young guys, who have insecurities.
“A lot of guys struggle especially in this day and age and there’s a lot of pressure to be successful, have the money in the bank and the nice cars or they think girls aren’t going to find them attractive.”
He teaches classes in and around Manchester, in gyms including Trib3.
He is also booked in for a slew of live events, including the wellnergy Festival in Manchester on July 6.
He will take to the stage at Wythenshaw Park for a 45-minute HIIT class and inspirational talk afterwards about how the “reality” of his life may be different to that which people perceive.
It was eight years since I did the show and when they messaged me last year and I though do you know what, it might be a good way to show the mature side of me now
Adam Maxted
STARK WARNING
Adam – who teased “never say never” when asked about starring in a third series of Love Island – has issued sage words of advice for the new crop of contestants.
Talking of the desire of many to opt for influencing as a career path, he added: “Be wary it’s not neccessarily going to blow up and make your life different.”
He said: “You cant put all your eggs in one basket and think going on a TV show is going to change your life because Molly Mae yeah 100 per cent and Alex and Olivia Bowen from my series and Molly’s doing well from All Stars, but it doesn’t change everyone’s life.
“So if you’re putting all your identity and value in trying to get on a TV show – what else are you bringing to the table?”
