A worker from a popular coffee shop in Basingstoke is appearing on a TV dating show with the hope of finding love.
Content manager Alex Williams, 23, from Brighton Hill, will appear on the first season of First Dates Beach Club, shown on Channel 4 this week.
Alex, who works in Willows Coffee House in the town centre, applied to go on the show and was delighted to be invited to participate in the ‘Love Island style’ programme, filmed in Spain.
He said: “It was surreal, you can’t really put your finger on it, it’s so exciting, it’s something that isn’t in the human experience, to be set up on a blind date on national TV. It's something thrilling and exciting, it was an instant yes from me.”
Without giving too much away, Alex said he had ‘a really good, successful time on the show’ with the series following him for three episodes on December 16, 17 and 18.
Not a stranger to the limelight, former Cranbourne school pupil Alex studied at Queen Mary's College before going to Urdang drama school in London, and has starred in multiple national adverts, including for the BBC.
He said: “I’m representing young gay men on a dating show, it's nice to see that coming from Basingstoke.
“It’s just nice to be recognised as myself, it’s not an act, it’s reality TV. It’s nice to present me as me; the views I’ve got and what I stand for. Those things are something that Basingstoke can learn from, from someone representing the young queer community.”
After being whisked away to Cadiz for filming in May, Alex has returned ‘full steam ahead,’ to rebrand Willows, inspired to promote its inclusivity and community.
He explained: “I found this really nice progressive young space within Basingstoke, which is something I feel like is lacking; it's nice to have found somewhere. The coffee shop is so beautiful”
Alex has said he would be delighted if people visit Willows for a chat with him over a coffee or a slice of cake.
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Willows owner, Mark Lincoln, said: “We are incredibly proud and lucky. Alex’s personality has had a remarkable impact on both our staff and customers, and Fred Sirieix. At Willows Coffee House, Alex reminds us daily that when people are supported and celebrated for who they are, they truly shine.”
Watch First Dates Beach Club at 9pm on Channel 4.
See Alex @alexlewiswilliams on Instagram and TikTok and @Willowscoffeehouse
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