I've been looking for an older woman!'

Love Island veteran Adam Collard talks age-gap romance, unexpected exes and turning down Geordie Shore

- JULIE ANN TRAINOR

Former ladies’ man Adam Collard, who made his name on season four of Love Island in 2018, popped the question to his sports presenter girlfriend Laura Woods last month – and is clearly still in something of a love bubble.

The 28-year-old personal trainer from Newcastle, who briefly dated Zara McDermott following his exit from the famous villa, got down on one knee on a stunning Cornwall beach, two months after 37-year-old Laura announced she was expecting their first baby.

In this exclusive chat with new, loved-up Adam talks about the couple’s age gap, what he thinks he’ll really be like as a dad, and his favourite (and surprising) OG reality show.

Congratulations on your engagement, Adam! There are nine years between you and Laura – does that bother either of you?

Funnily enough, I had this conversation with my dad before I met Laura. I was like, I feel too far in front of my friends because of what I do with work and my responsibilities. I have two gyms, and the online clothing business, and I can’t relate to my friends as much. I spend a lot of time with family and friends who are older than me – and I’m not talking thirties, I’m talking fifties – because I haven’t got much in common with my friends any more, and it’s a hard place to be. So I think maybe that’s what I’ve always been looking for: an older woman. It’s just something that works for me. But also, Laura’s not an “older woman”, because if you meet her and you’re around her… I’ve been out with younger people who don’t act like her! It never came into our heads – it was very easygoing from day one.