It's back to Summer Bay for Home and Away's Paul O'Brien, who was eliminated along with singing mentor Jade MacRae one week before the semi-finals. But the 29-year-old bachelor says he's happy he survived eight episodes, and is ready for anything after singing on live TV. He shares with WHO his secrets for looking good on camera, his habit of singing in public, oh, and ladies - he's on the look-out for a brunette!

How are you feeling after last night's elimination?
I am feeling good, a little tired. I am quite proud of where I got to, and happy with the experience. The whole time I was just trying to get to the point where I could sing a note in tune! It's been scary as hell and traumatic at times - there's just so much fear, joy and relief.

Did you have an inkling your time was up?
No, but I think it got to that point where I was saying, OK, this is it. I would classify the final three as the actual singers of the competition! I was the guy learning to sing, whereas those guys were just learning to sing even better!

Why did you decide to bare your soul on national TV?
Because you grow so much when you do things outside of your comfort zone. Having that fear and being disturbed so often helps you put things into perspective, and it's given me a passion for singing now that will tie into theatre work in the future. But also, it's nice to be known as Paul O'Brien, not just Jack Holden from Home and Away!

How far did you want to get on the show?
I wanted to get close to the finals. I think I'm very lucky to go as far as I did.

What was the extent of your singing before It Takes Two?
I was never much of a singer. I don't know why but music's pretty new to me. I've never been really knowledgeable with music.

Were you ever embarrassed?
At the start I was, all the time. When I tried to sing in front of my parents I'd start giggling like a schoolboy. But you get to a point where there's no shame - you don't care who hears you. I'd be walking around the streets where I live going, "Want some hot stuff baby!" and getting odd looks - lots of awkward moments!

Have you noticed an increase in attention from the ladies?
I have been too busy to notice!

Do you have a girlfriend?
No, I don't actually.

Are you happily single?
I am, because I'm so mixed up in the wonders of my life at the moment. Being so busy is one of the reasons I split with my last girlfriend - it's almost a punishment for them to date me, which is a real shame because I'll meet a girl who I think is amazing, but have to say I don't want this when I really do. It kind of reminds me of Spider Man - you have to make a choice!

What do you look for in a girl?
So many things! It amazes me when I'm drawn to a girl; they're always completely different.

Blondes or brunettes?
I've dated a lot of blondes, but I think I prefer brunettes. I see myself marrying a brunette!

What do you do to keep yourself looking good for the ladies?
I believe in male grooming, although I let it go if I'm camping or surfing. My hair grows quickly so I have a cut every week for work. I make sure to wash my face and I moisturise, and I've had a facial before.

How was that experience?
It was quite nice with the soothing music and sound of water dribbling in the background! I'm definitely in touch with my feminine side!

What's your favourite grooming product?
I use a lot of Dermalogica, and for my hair I use a product called Spiker, which is like this glue. You can sort of reactivate it by wetting your hands a bit. I can restyle my hair three times in one day.

Do you have a signature fragrance?
I like to swap that up! I have a few that I go through but I have the belief that you should buy one every change of season.

Who do you tip to win?
I'm leaning towards Russell Robinson.

What's next for you?
I'm heading back to Summer Bay. I love it; it's a great job and I work with great people. It's always a surprise to see who's died and who's pregnant! But long term I'm keen to be a businessman.

Paul's chosen charity is Starlight Children's Foundation: www.starlight.org.au

 

by Alicia Neil