Yahoo Lifestyle 
MAFS' Al reveals why he was 'worried' about going on Love Island
With his boisterous personality and love of doing shoeys, there’s no doubt that Al Perkins is one of the most memorable Married At First Sight cast members after his appearance on this year’s season.
The 26-year-old is now set to make his mark on another reality show after being officially announced as a contestant on Love Island Australia on Friday.
Ahead of his highly-anticipated arrival in the Love Island villa, which was pre-recorded earlier this year in a first for the Australian series, Al has opened up to Yahoo Lifestyle about what fans can expect.
He admits that despite his impressive following on social media, he had fears that his fellow contestants wouldn’t recognise him at all.
“I was a bit worried, but they definitely did,” he says. “There were a lot of squeals and things like that and people yelling out my name, which made me feel a little bit more comfortable going in there. It was crazy, it was a really really cool entrance.”
RELATED:
Al Perkins reveals biggest challenge going from MAFS to Love Island
Sophie Monk confirms MAFS star's appearance on Love Island: 'Perfect'
The former carpenter went on to explain that the excitement of having so many people know who he was soon turned into a problem when trying to find a romantic connection.
“All they know is me from MAFS, like TV Al, and that’s not one hundred per cent me,” he details. “There are other parts of me that I do want people to fall in love with. I want them to fall in love with who I am as a person genuinely, so I had to make that clear with a few girls.
“It was weird, they knew all about me and they were following me on TikTok or whatever and I was still trying to get to know them.”
‘One of the best experiences of my life’
Similar to how he wanted to show a different side of his personality to potential love interests on the show, Al is excited for viewers to see a more grown-up version of himself on TV.
“I do think I've got a bit more emotional intelligence coming off MAFS,” he shares. “I think I know how to talk to girls a bit better and I guess I'm a bit more confident as well. I think I have matured quite a bit.”
He adds that he feels “so grateful” for getting to be a part of two massive reality TV franchises within the one year, and his stint on Love Island is “one of the best experiences of my life”.
“I really hope the people love watching me as well,” he says. “And the people I've met along the way, it's been unreal. Anyone that comes up to me on the street I just give them my whole attention and I just love them so much.
“It’s been one hell of a year, I'll tell you that.”
Love Island Australia airs Monday to Thursday at 6pm on 9Now
Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.
Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.
