For countless reality TV stars, securing a brand partnership represents the ultimate prize after weathering the highs and lows that come with putting themselves under public scrutiny.
Yet for Married At First Sight UK’s breakout sensation Davide Anica, such opportunities are far from his priority list, and he’s been clear with followers that he has no interest in a fashion line or similar ventures – at least for now.
“I wanted to make sure I used my platform above all, in the beginning, for good and for something that was bigger than me,” he shares in an exclusive interview with the Mirror.
“I didn’t want the brand deals, I didn’t want a clothes brand deal, didn’t want a collection or any of that.”
View 5 Images The reality star wanted to use his platform for something ‘bigger'(Image: EveryYouth)
The former cabin crew member captured the nation’s hearts on the E4 reality programme alongside his then-partner Keye Luke, with whom he now sports a matching otter tattoo commemorating one of their initial dates on the series. Whilst the couple have since separated, there’s no animosity between them, reports OK!
“It has been five months. Both him and I have moved on with our lives. We’ve healed, I’ve healed, and I’m good and happy in my life,” he adds.
Davide’s first move as a newly-minted reality TV personality has been revealed today (November 18) with confirmation of his role as celebrity ambassador for youth homelessness charity, EveryYouth. It’s an issue particularly meaningful to Davide following his own experience of rough sleeping in Paris at just 19 years old.
View 5 Images He shot to fame on MAFS UK where he married a stranger(Image: Channel 4)
After being disowned by his father for coming out as gay, he left Portugal to pursue a career in dance. In the city, he was homeless, surviving on baguettes and canned tuna after his wallet was stolen. He found refuge in a 24-hour Starbucks branch until he received his first pay packet and could afford a room.
“Part of me was actually ashamed that I was struggling and I didn’t want to ask for help from my family because that would be admitting that they were right, that because I was gay I was never going to be anyone,” he previously shared with EveryYouth.
His commitment to performing arts eventually paid off, and he worked as a dancer in musicals including in London’s West End until a severe injury forced him to leave the profession and retrain as cabin crew.
View 5 Images He was open about his personal struggles during his stint on the show(Image: E4)
Although he has now bid farewell to aviation, he is embarking on a new journey after reality TV and made it clear that his priority was to use his newfound fame for good.
“It was the first thing I wanted to set up. It was important for me, since I was sharing my story and what I’ve been through,” he begins.
“That is exactly why I contacted my management that then got in contact with EveryYouth. They showed me what they do, what they work on and I wish back then when I was going through everything I knew about things like this.
“If I can bring any awareness with money, or funds for this beautiful charity that are incredible and do such amazing work my job is done here.”
View 5 Images Davide is taking his ambassador role seriously and has already met with young people facing homelessness themselves(Image: EveryYouth)
The star plans to host a celebrity sleepout to raise money for the charity and has hinted at several other projects he’s keeping under wraps for now. He’s already been meeting young people experiencing homelessness in Surrey through EveryYouth.
Despite their turbulent history, he reveals his bond with his father – and his entire family – has never been stronger.
“He’s so proud of me,” he beams. “Even with telling our story, he’s like ‘If that helps any family understand that sometimes it just takes a little bit of time to understand, you’ve done us extremely proud.'”
“I didn’t expect my life to change this much. I didn’t realise how much in the public eye I was going to be until I actually started being in the public eye,” he confessed about his newfound fame. “It’s exciting times for me. I’m excited for the future.”