Love Island's Dr Alex on his search for a girlfriend - and learning to perfect his smoulder
NHS doctor Alex George says he is planning on returning to Lewisham hospital once things "calm down" after Love Island.
Wednesday 1 August 2018 14:13, UK
It was the show of the summer, and with the final watched by a record 4.1 million viewers it is now ITV2's most watched programme ever.
With Love Island's winning couple taking home £50,000, it's not hard to see why thousands of people apply.
But what inspired A&E doctor Alex George?
The medic told Sky News: "I've been single for three years. Desperate measures were required… It was something completely different to what I'd done before, a new challenge. And I thought, if I come out with a girlfriend, amazing".
Entering the villa to find love rather than fame, Dr Alex says he will definitely return to his NHS job at Lewisham hospital - and staff there say they will be proud to have him back.
But he says it was a hard decision deciding to go on the show in the first place.
"There was part of me thinking, is it right to take the time off?
"But I've hardly taken any time off from work over the last few years, and through med school it's been non-stop, so I feel like I'm allowed to have a bit of time. And I didn't expect to be on there for eight weeks, to be honest!"
Addressing his sunburn while on the show, which led to lots of jokes both inside and outside the house, Dr Alex said: "I do take sunburn very seriously.
"Unfortunately I have a skin condition where I take medication which makes me very sensitive to the sun. Even though I was absolutely lathering myself in factor 50, I did get a bit pink."
Going into the house an unknown, and coming out as one of the most talked about TV stars of the month, Dr Alex says he could not have received more help and support.
"ITV have been amazing. From the moment I've left the villa I've got support from lots of different areas - counselling, PR, social media training. I think lessons have been learned from people coming out of similar shows in previous years."
Showing off some of his newly learned flirting skills, Dr Alex wrapped up his Sky News appearance by demonstrating the perfect smoulder.
Beating persenter Jonathan Samuels hands-down, Dr Alex joked: "You've got 10 minutes to pack your stuff. Goodbye."
And on the subject of finding a girlfriend now he's out of the villa, Dr Alex says: "That would be nice".
Watch this space.