Celebs Go Dating’s Anna Williamson reveals real reason savvy stars sign up – insisting it’s NOT the ‘massive pay cheque’

CELEBS Go Dating stars have admitted the surprising reason they signed up - and it wasn't just about finding love and collecting a massive pay cheque, claims dating agent Anna Williamson.

This year's "savvy" cast wanted to throw themselves into "free therapy" from Anna and Paul Carrick Brunson, which the show has become famous for.

Alongside matchmaking famous faces over the past 11 series, the dynamic duo spend time discovering who the celebs really are behind the bravado.

Speaking at the Celebs Go Dating launch, Paul told The Sun: "The core reason for the success of CGD is the authenticity of the agency that's driven by us - and that's not ego talking.

"It's that the celebrities know they can come and be part of a great show, collect a great cheque, make some great friends and get some actual therapy... then on top of it find love."

Anna agreed, adding: "Even after the show, anyone who needs our help further, we're there.

"Once you start having coaching and therapy it doesn't just stop when someone says that's a wrap on filming.

"That's what surprises our celebrities, that we continue to deliver even after the show ends.

"We do that with pride because we love our job.

"We can always see the penny drop in them.

"Everyone had a moment this series where they had a good cry."

This year's series sees the likes of Simon Cowell's BFF Sinitta, Hollyoaks heart-throb Gary Lucy and Love Island winner Liam Reardon show their vulnerable side in a bid to find lasting love.

Last night Pete Wicks - who's returned to the agency for the third time - fought back tears as he admitted he's been "sad for years".

Anna added: "Actually more and more are starting to cotton on and for the first time, the majority of this year's cast who signed up said 'I knew I was going to get a load of free therapy'.

"That's because we're really bloody expensive when we're not on the telly," laughed Anna - who added: "I'm just joking."

"That was such a great way to start the show for us. Knowing that, yes they earn a pay cheque, they make friends, go on lovely dates and are on the telly, that they really wanted that side.

"It's indicative of coming out of the pandemic. We're all a bit broken and have PTSD from the past couple of years."

Anna and Paul say they're "proud" of the show they've helped to developed alongside celeb confidante and senior client coordinator Tom Read Wilson.

They believe part of its success is down to the real-life friendship the trio have outside of filming.

Anna continued: "We're deeply proud of the relationship we have professionally and personally. It really is quite rare to be in this weird and wonderful of telly to meet people who you genuinely value and love. We care about each other's families and everything.

"That's why when it comes around, I check these two have signed up and say 'we're in' - if not I might have to think about it.

"The relationship between us filters through to the celebs too. It's a very warm place to work.

"Telly can go through these silly ups and downs of toxicity.

"What's lovely is we've always stood true to our values. We're proud to have got to series 11 of the show."