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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Downpatrick man Ronan Rice sets sights on Big Brother after TV success

A Co Down man who has a passion for being on TV, is now eagerly waiting on the applications for Big Brother opening, so he can apply.

Ronan Rice appeared on Naked Attraction in March, which he says was a major boost to his confidence. The Downpatrick man has also been on TLC's Undressed, One Night With My Ex and MTV's Beach Body SOS.

Having experienced trolling in the past, Ronan is hoping that showing "you don't have to look a certain way" that others may feel inspired by his journey.

Read more: Naked Attraction thrill for Downpatrick man who bares all on new episode

Speaking to Belfast Live, the 27-year-old said he plans to continue to add to his list of reality TV experiences. As a major fan of Big Brother, the announcement of its return brought out a new sense of excitement in Ronan.

He said: "Naked Attraction was crazy. When the episode aired, I wasn't expecting the feedback to be so positive. I was freaking out a bit because I thought there would be lots of backlash - you're naked on TV.

Ronan Rice (Justin Kernoghan)

"Most of the comments were positive, which gave me a real confidence boost. If I go the gym, I go the cubicle to get changed, but if you put a camera in front of me then I do thrive, I'll do anything because it is so different.

"I have been in another show, that will be announced very soon, so watch this space. I am really excited about that because it is with a major channel. I hope to go on Naked Attraction again some time in the future.

"But my main focus now, is definitely Big Brother. I have been a huge fan forever, and since I have experience on a number of popular TV shows, I have a better chance maybe."

Ronan says he has been no stranger to online bullying, with some taking to anonymous profiles to make fun of him, or to attack his looks. And although there are days when he wishes he could just stay at home, in his safe place, there are more good days than bad.

"I do think people take me more serious now," he added.

"Whenever I first started out, people laughed at me. They thought I would do one show and then they would never hear of me again. But seven years later, and I am still here. I am still waking up to calls from other TV shows, who want me. I must be doing something right.

"A lot of people look at me different nowadays, which is good. I love when people notice me, for being on the shows. My family are just so supportive, my nanny and my mummy are amazing.

"With the trolls, I think they should learn to love themselves, before they take someone else down. I want to inspire other people because one day i felt hopeless. The younger generation follow me on social media a lot, and I think if they have a good support network, they can do anything.

"There are days when I feel amazing, but some days I wake up and want to switch my phone off, watch Gossip Girl and relax. Those days will always pass."

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