Love Island’s Kem Cetinay on his break-up with Amber and getting to grips with skates for Dancing on Ice
WE caught up with the nation's favourite Essex hairdresser at a top London salon to get all the gossip of life post-Love Island.
At Ruffians barber shop, Marylebone, Kem Cetinay spilled the beans on what's been happening since he left the villa, his break-up with Amber and strapping on the skates for Dancing on Ice.
Hiya, Kem! You used to be a hairdresser, so do you feel at home here?
Yeah, I do actually! I was in the process of opening up my own salon when I was told I was in the starting line-up for Love Island a month before it began. I quit my job and hit the gym!
Was Love Island what you expected?
I had a really good ride on there, I got lucky. I met Chris [Hughes, 25] and Amber [Davies, 20] on the show – it changed my life.
Did you really think you could find love in the villa?
I went on there because I wanted to meet someone. I’d never, ever had a girlfriend before. And then I met Amber and we got on – get on – so well.
How did you find your relationship changed when you got back into the real world?
We didn’t really have much time to just sit there and talk about nothing. Amber and I used to speak about the most random things for hours. For me, it’s just been so crazy since I came out and I’m so passionate – I do prioritise my work…
Over your relationship?
I wouldn’t say I prioritised my work over my relationship, but I do think I’m the type of person who won’t sacrifice my job for one. I still want to work really hard.
Is that why you and Amber have gone your separate ways?
Not really. It was a mutual decision and we ended on really good terms. We both had different aims with what we wanted to do. Amber didn’t necessarily want to be constantly busy, whereas I love not stopping. Sometimes I might get three hours’ sleep, but I don’t mind because I like to see things progressing. I think she did struggle with not seeing me all the time, which is fair enough. It’s hard.
The two of you could easily have stayed together for the publicity…
That’s something I could never do. With Amber and me, we wouldn’t do something if we didn’t want to, we’re both very emotional people. We were really gutted but she’ll always be a part of my life. We’ve experienced such a big thing together.
Are you happy being single?
I’m not looking for anyone special at the moment. I didn’t have a relationship for 20 years, so I don’t need to rush into one straight away. I’m not going around looking for girls – I haven’t got time, to be honest!
You’re competing on Dancing on Ice with skater Alex Murphy. How scary was that to start with?
Oh my god, I was so demoralised every time I woke up and had to go skating. I just couldn’t get the hang of it. I’m so clumsy and the most inflexible person you’ll ever meet.
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
Who would you say is your main competition?
The best person on the show is Jake [Quickenden], but I wouldn’t say he’s my competition because I’m not up there at the moment! I like being the underdog. That’s what I was on Love Island when nobody stepped forward for me – and look what happened in the end!
Watch Dancing on Ice tonight, 6pm, ITV
BTW
- Kem’s parents Figen and Neil have watched all of Love Island, twice!
- He still sees Chris, Olivia Attwood and Montana Brown from the show.
- Kem’s celebrity crush is Michelle Keegan.
Thanks to Ruffians ()