What made you enter I kissed a boy?
At the time I was never really looking to get into a relationship - I had not long come out of a long-term relationship so a new boy was never on the mind. In all honesty I was just chilling one afternoon and I got an Instagram message off one of the casting producers from I Kissed A Boy asking me if I was single and information about the show. At first I was like, oh eye yeah, imagine me on TV and imagine me being on a Gay Love Island, that was my initial thoughts. Lets not forget Dannii Minogue was Hosting the show so I was thinking there would be no chance of me being successful. Anyway, I replied and told her I was single so we arranged a Zoom call - I kinda thought, what have I got to lose, if it happens it happens if it doesn't it doesn't lets see how far it goes. After the Zoom call - I was then invited down to Television Centre in London and had an in person Interview with one of the Exec Producers which I thought was crazy, then before I knew it, after a couple of trips back and forth to London, they called me and told me I was on the show. I couldn't believe it, I was in so much shock but also I was so so excited and couldn't wait to get out to Italy.
How did you find the experience?
I mean I loved every minute of it, so much happened in such a short space of time. Of course there where a lot of nerves going in, especially going in as the first BOMBSHELL. It is one of those experiences that really is a Once in a life time opportunity. There was so many laughs, tears and just joy from everybody. Naturally it's reality TV so there is always drama, but for the most part I didn't realise that I was providing the drama with the love triangles and the switching of boys. - It wasn't until I watched the show back, I thought bloody hell Michael you really was a hurricane in there haha. No but seriously, it was the best experience of my life, and I learnt a lot about myself and my queerness, as well as learning an awful lot about the community where I suppose I didn't have a good insight. Would I do it all over again? - hell yeah.
They are making a second series. What would your advice be for anyone who is thinking about applying?
Firstly if you are thinking about applying - DO IT. I had so much fun over there in Italy and of course you get to meet the amazing Dannii Minogue. The only advice I would give, and it's not strictly when applying for IKAB its in life too, just be yourself. If you are genuine, down to early, sell yourself and showcase yourself you will get far and if you are lucky enough to be selected to be a contestant the viewers will fall in love with you.
How did you become a football referee?
It all started when I was around 16/17 it was my nan who told me to do my badges to become a referee. She told me it won't just be a good thing because it is football but it will help me a lot with life skills, so go and get them. So at the time me and my uncle both did our badges at the same time and qualified. I remember my first couple of games in a Summer Tournament and then it started from there really. Over the years, I dipped in and out of the Refereeing because I was still playing football myself. I carried on playing until really the pandemic, towards the end of the pandemic I went travelling around the world, which was kinda strange as the U.K was coming out of lockdown and all the other countries I was travelling too still had restrictions. Anyway once I came home, I thought well its been to long since I have played, so lets push my refereeing and see how far I can get. Since I have been back I have had back to back promotions and I am now a Senior County Referee.
Do you experience any homophobia when doing the job?
I am one of the lucky ones, I have never received any homophobic abuse in general let alone on the football pitch. Of course I am out and I am proud to be who I am, but when it comes to football - just with the circumstances surrounding stereotypes and the climate of the football environment, it is almost like coming out again at times. However, the more I move up the football pyramid the more support and safer the environment feels especially compared to grassroots level.
How do you like to relax?
Not a lot of people know this, but I am a bit of an aviation geek. So, if I not on my phone tracking planes on Flight Radar 24 you are likely to find me at Manchester Runway Visitor Park watching the planes taking off and landing. That's my zone out time and something I have loved since I was younger.
What is the best country in the world that you have visited?
I went travelling at the back end of 2021 beginning of 2022 and I visited Thailand - this was by far the most special place I have visited and I am dying to go back. The country has a very special place in my heart - It's gorgeous, it's so picturesque, its cheap and the people are the nicest people I have met. The Thai people are so welcoming and will do anything for you. Not to mention the food, I honestly don't think I have been anywhere where you can taste every single ingredient. I just fell in love with the place and I am hoping to get myself back there soon.
Where would you like to visit still?
What a question!! There are so many places I think I want to visit, I've been Thailand, Mexico, Australia, All over Europe, All over America, I think I would love to do a tour of Central America maybe somewhere in Costa Rica or Panama, but I also like the cold, so I am due a skiing holiday or some sort in the alps. I mean if someone said get on a flight to Skegness I would get on it, who doesnt like getting on a plane right?
Plans for the next 12 months?
I am always ambitious and always wanting to do better. I think for me, broadcasting, presenting, influencing and getting myself into a network is the next step. Of course I have the football, which I want to progress in and see how far I get. I think even a TV Show would be amazing to do. I have so many options right now and so many directions I could possibly go in. So, really its just continuing what I am doing and then hopefully I will get where I want to get. Watch this space.....