Exclusive:
Love Island star Adam Collard talks about his engagement to Laura Woods, who is 37 and expecting their first child, and his relationship with her and her family
Adam Collard, the former Love Island heartthrob from season four in 2018, is still floating on cloud nine after proposing to his sports presenter girlfriend Laura Woods last month. The 28 year old personal trainer from Newcastle, who had a brief fling with Zara McDermott post his villa exit, popped the question on a picturesque Cornwall beach, just two months after Laura, 37, revealed they were expecting their first child.
In an exclusive chat with OK! magazine, smitten Adam – who first made contact with Laura by sliding into her DMs – opens up about their age difference, his thoughts on fatherhood, and his unexpected favourite original reality show.
Congrats on your engagement, Adam! There’s a nine-year gap between you and Laura does that concern either of you?
Interestingly, I had a chat with my dad about this before I met Laura. I felt like I was ahead of my friends due to my work and responsibilities. I run two gyms and an online clothing business, which makes it hard for me to connect with my friends. I spend more time with older family members and friends not just those in their thirties, but also those in their fifties because I don’t have much in common with my peers anymore.
It’s a tough spot to be in. So, perhaps that’s what I’ve always been seeking: an older woman. It’s something that works for me. But Laura isn’t really an “older woman”. If you meet her and spend time with her… I’ve dated younger people who don’t act as maturely as she does! Age never factored into our relationship it’s been smooth sailing from the start.
We got to know you on Love Island. Did Love Island All Stars approach you in January?
Yes, they did, but I declined, and that was before I met Laura. After my second stint on Love Island, I felt done. I enjoyed Celebs Go Dating because it offered a different experience. I don’t think anyone can handle three series… maybe some can, but for me, it’s too much. There’s a lot of pressure involved. It’s such an intense period of your life. Now that I’m a bit older, I don’t think I could deal with the stress of it all.
Did Laura’s mum approve of you when you first met her?
I received the family’s approval instantly. They’re a lovely bunch, really nice. Despite what’s been said about me in the media, they didn’t bat an eyelid in fact, they made light of it, which was quite refreshing.
Did they watch you on Love Island?
I’m not sure about that, but I could sense that things were different with Laura, and I think they could too. Our relationship’s just normal. Granted, we’re both in the public eye, but when we’re together, we’re just very ordinary. We probably balance each other out, in a positive way.
What stood out about Laura when you first met her?
When you know, you just know it’s as simple as that. Finding what you want can be challenging.
Before Laura, had you ever tried using dating apps?
I’ve never really ventured into the world of dating apps, mainly because I’ve had several significant experiences in my life related to dating. I had one major relationship, which ended amicably. Then I appeared on two big TV shows, and then there were the bits in between. I think I’ve had my fair share of dates!
Is starting a family with Laura something you’d always wanted?
I absolutely adore my family and I’m very close to them – my dad is the youngest of eight brothers and I would always want that. My dad was my best friend and we did a lot of cool stuff together when I was younger, like going to football matches. I want the same for my future children. Two kids is fine – anything over that, I might struggle. But if two of me come out, it will be a nightmare all the way until they’re 28!
Do you keep in touch with anyone from Celebs Go Dating?
I quite like Vanessa [Feltz], and I see her now and then, and Chloe [Burrows] asked us for Bali advice the other day. But again, with these shows, people don’t realise that it’s very hard to stay in contact with people after filming because we’re all spread out. I saw [Adam’s CDG co-star] Spuddz at the gym two weeks ago, and that was a surprise it wasn’t planned.
Your ex, Autumn, appeared on Celebs Go Dating when you were there, didn’t she?
She wasn’t my ex, as such rather someone I’d dated in the past. I don’t think the producers would have done that to anyone else apart from me.
Is it true you turned down appearing on Geordie Shore when you were 19?
I didn’t exactly turn it down, it was so light-hearted. A producer asked me in a nightclub in Newcastle if I’d consider it, and at first I said, “I probably would,” but then I felt it might tarnish the gym. I loved Geordie Shore back in the day with the OGs like Charlotte [Crosby], Gaz [Beadle] and Vicky [Pattison]. They were amazing but as I’ve got older, I couldn’t tell you many people who went on the show afterwards, apart from Nathan [Henry] and Chloe [Ferry].
