Head over Heels

By now you’ve probably heard of Paolo, the adorable Italian pixie with a million-dollar smile and predilection for donning skyscraper heels on Channel 4’s “First Dates”. Poor Paolo had the bad luck to be set up with a rather close-minded young man who didn’t appreciate how “Paolobolous” he is. Fortunately, the rest of us did! We caught up with our newest TV crush to find out a bit about him, his heels and when we can see him again.

 


So Paolo, the last week must have been crazy for you. Can you describe what it’s been like since the episode of First Dates aired?

The last two weeks have been rather surreal! Of course I knew the show was quite popular. I watch it all the time! But I didn’t think it was going to get such a response. People have been stopping me to talk to me and take pictures with me in the streets, especially on nights out, or if I’m wearing heels. Even at work (last Saturday night though was just incredible, I couldn’t believe it! Ha!). I was NOT expecting that reaction at all!

How has the response from the public been?

It’s been an extremely positive and supportive response! Seriously, I just can’t believe it. I mean, I was only being myself. I didn’t do anything different from usual. Everyone’s always lovely, never a negative comment. They say things like: “I saw you on first dates, you were great!” or “good on you, he deserved that!” And I love how British they are about it, ever so polite. I get asked about Mario quite a lot, they want to know what happened next, and say how lovely he is and that we looked so sweet together.

What really got me though were the private messages I received on social media. Again, there were a lot of supportive messages, but I also had lots of messages from boys and girls around the country who shared their stories about how they’ve struggled, or are still struggling with being themselves in the cities or towns they live in. Some of them were truly heart-breaking and I could totally relate to them.

Have you always been this Paolobulous?

I have! But I was never able to see it. I wasn’t letting myself be Paolobulous. I used to see my “paolobulousness” as something wrong, that I needed to suppress. But I now proudly elevate it 6.3 inches off the ground.

What do you think of the concept of “MASC 4 MASC” and gender ‘norms’?

I suppose when we talk about “Masc 4 Masc” we are referring to sexual preferences, which I believe are different from person to person and I respect that; I’m not one to judge, no one should, as long as it’s not discriminating in any way. I personally find it limiting though. Some people don’t realise they’re missing out big time! If a man feels comfortable strutting around in stilettos or wearing a Vivienne Westwood evening gown, can you even imagine what they would be capable of doing in bed? Just sayin’! Food for thought.

As per gender norms, I can see a gradual progression towards new and different nuances of gender in society, but there’s still is a long way to go. I honestly don’t really care about who you have sex with, what you wear, or whatever.

We love seeing you on screen! Will you be returning to First Dates?

There are no plans for me to return to the First Dates restaurant, not as far as I’m aware anyway.

Tell us about your high heels; favourite pairs, best pairs, DREAM pairs?

Ok, they have to have at least a 6 inch heel and they must be stilettos only. Concealed platforms are the ones I use as they are more comfortable. My favourite pair are my Louboutin boots (you can get anything off Amazon) black suede concealed platform stilettos ankle boots with red sole. To die for! I would love the Swarovski crystal concealed platform closed-toe stilettos designed by Christian Louboutin. I love his designs.

Which guys do you think would ROCK a pair of high heels?

Anyone can rock a pair of stilettos! As long as they are confident in them their paolobulousness will shine through everyone’s eyes 😉 They just need to be prepared for a proper workout while wearing them. You try to walk up and down Brighton hills and spend a night dancing in 6-7 inches stilettos!

You currently live in Brighton, how would you describe the gay scene and community there?

I moved back to Brighton from London, where I lived for almost a year trying to make it as an actor. The thing I missed the most was the sense of community and belonging that I only experienced in Brighton. It’s my home now. And that’s what the Brightonian gay community is like. It feels like a very big family, just like the whole Brighton community does, at least that’s how I live it. Charles Street, The Camelford, Legends and Club Revenge are the places I would normally go with my gays. They are not huge clubs or bars but I love the people there. The beauty of Brighton though is that there isn’t the need to go to a gay bar to be yourself or “be gay”. it feels very equal anywhere you go and that’s how it should be.

Will we be seeing you at Brighton Pride?

There aren’t plans for me to be involved in the Brighton Pride…yet. I would love to be though! We’ll see. If not I’ll definitely be there in the crowd prancing around in a pair or Louboutin’s just like I did last year.

Have you been out on the gay scene in London and if so, how does it compare?

I’ve only been a few times in the George and Dragon in Shoredich, Duke of Wellington and Comptons in Soho, but I never really fully embraced the scene as much as I have in Brighton, so I can’t really compare. I had a good time though!

Will you teach us how to walk in heels?

Strengthen your core muscles and do loads of squatting, then when you put them on tilt your pelvis, align your back, straighten your legs and you are ready to take over the world in your stilettos. As I said before, stilettos only for me. Just sayin’ in case you’re feeling generous.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your first First Date, Daniel?

No, not really.

And anything you’d like to say to our readers who LOVE you?

Learning to love and accept the person you truly are is one of the hardest things you could ever put yourself through, but once you get there you’ll open up to things you can never imagine existed. Just be truly open, give yourself objectives and let things come your way, do what you want and what makes you happy. Feel pain and feel love but make sure you enjoy the path. Gosh, that’s probably what Lady Gaga and Rupaul’s son would sound like.

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