Mikey Connor: looking for love, Resilience and triumphing cancer

I have to admit, when I first tuned in to “I Kissed a Boy,” I had no idea that it would become a significant part of LGBTQ+ history. It was one of those rare reality shows that not only entertained but also left a profound impact. So, as a massive fan of the show and a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, I couldn’t be more excited to sit down with one of its charismatic stars, Mikey Connor. The very thought of delving into the behind-the-scenes stories, passionate moments, and candid conversations that made “I Kissed a Boy” such a memorable series is enough to get me going!

In the world of reality television, we often find ourselves captivated by the glitz and glamour, the drama and intrigue. But sometimes, reality TV gives us something more profound, more inspiring than the latest plot twist or sensational scandal. It provides us with real stories of real people, who, like us, navigate the ups and downs of life with resilience, love, and an unfiltered perspective.

One such individual is Mikey Connor, a name that resonates far beyond the screen. You may recognize him as a cast member of the ground breaking UK gay dating show, “I Kissed a Boy.” Mikey Connor, however, is more than just a reality star. His journey is one of love, triumph over adversity, and raw, unapologetic reality that has touched the hearts of thousands.

In this Interview, we delve deep into the life and experiences of Mikey Connor, unveiling the extraordinary moments that have defined his path. From his candid conversations about the show and behind-the-scenes stories to his courageous battle against cancer, Mikey’s story is nothing short of inspirational.Join us as we explore the life of a man who has faced adversity head-on, emerged stronger, and now serves as a beacon of hope for those who need it most.

ENTER: MIKEY CONNOR

Hey Mikey, a warm welcome to Gaiety Labs! I’m a massive fan of the show, and I have to say, you and the lads have made a significant mark in the world of gay reality TV. It’s become an iconic part of our LGBTQ+ history. I’ve got a bunch of questions for you, but I’ll start with the show. How did you end up becoming a cast member of “I Kissed a Boy”? Were you actively looking for love, or did the opportunity come knocking at your door?

Firstly, thanks for having me and inviting me to interview with you guys. I’m a massive fan of the show too and that’s not just because I am in it! You are completely right it is iconic it’s a massive moment for the LGBTQ+ community. it’s a moment that should have happened a long time ago. Everything kind of fell into place really with the show. May last year I had recently split up with my ex-boyfriend and then a couple of months later someone from the production team slid into my DM’s. Now I’m used to a few sliding into the DM’s so I didn’t really take it too seriously.

We got chatting and before I knew it, I was down in London at the Television Centre having my interview for the show. It was kinda a bit of a whirlwind few weeks at the time and I went with the flow. August came around and I was told I was on the show and I was headed to Italy. CRAZY, I didn’t know what to think and couldn’t believe what was about to happen. I’m always open to new things and with me being freshly single, I kind of was going with the flow. I didn’t know really if a relationship was something deep down I wanted.

Having said this, I’m a believer that things are meant to happen and if I went on the show and came away with a strong relationship then that was meant to happen. As we saw, I entered single, kissed a few boys and left single. It’s a funny old world our gay world.  

Talking of our gay world, In the LGBTQ+ community, representation is crucial. How do you feel about being part of the UK’s first gay dating show, and what message do you hope it sends to viewers?

For me, I have an overwhelming feeling of PRIDE being part of the show. To be a part of the first ever UK gay dating show, hosted by Dannii Minogue is huge. Going into the show I had no idea what to expect, I had never really been involved in the gay scene on the outside world I had never even been to a pride event. I remember walking into the Massaria and just thinking WOW. The mix of people in there was great to see, but I was a rabbit in headlights and did not know what to do. Looking back, I learnt a lot about the community but also a lot about myself, there were a lot of things I didn’t know I was capable of.

When I left, I left even more gay than I entered, and I loved it. That’s the message I guess, production did a great job of casting a mix of boys who were at different stages on their gay journeys. For people watching the show, I think every one of the boys will be relatable in some way or another and that’s important. It’s important to see that on television, for a lot of boys out there they feel that they are not represented on our screens, and I think this is the first step. I think watching the show shows we are all being ourselves and are all happy so I hope the message comes across and that everyone can just be happy.

I completely agree with you in regards to representation, the show definitely delivered that, I think most of us could see ourselves in at least one of the boys.

The show is known for its passionate kisses and romantic moments. Can you share a funny or awkward behind-the-scenes story related to one of your on-screen kisses

There actually weren’t many you know for me. I kind of threw myself in there, didn’t I? Kissed everyone and left. I have to say though, for me the most awkward thing was when I walked into the Massaria as the single one to shake things up a bit. How the hell did I end up going on a date with Josh and Ben then ended up kissing Bobski……….My head fell off a little bit though, but it was fun, and I made sure I kissed as much as I could.

I think there could have been plenty more kisses with some of the other boys, what you didn’t see on screen was some of the other conversations I had. So I kissed, Bobski, Dan and Josh, but realistically there could have been another 3 or 4 boys where we had talked and they told me they liked me. I think as my story panned out those never blossomed. I will let you have a guess on which other boys they were.

Dannii Minogue has been a fantastic host for the show. Can you share any fun or interesting behind-the-scenes interactions you had with her that viewers might not know about?

You said it Dannii was amazing she literally is a little gem. I honestly can’t get over how nice she is and how stunning she is as well. I think I fancy her a little bit, I can’t lie when I first met her and she my name I was like rrrrrrrr Dannii Minogue has just spoken to me, right I can leave the Massaria now forget the boys. There wasn’t much time with Dannii whilst we were filming, but once I left me and Joseph got to spend about an hour with Dannii and her team whilst she popped open the prosecco and we were all listening to Dannii’s 20-year anniversary album.

It was a crazy experience I remember sitting there thinking wow, I’m drinking prosecco with the one half of the Minogue’s all’s we were missing was Kylie. On set between scenes Dannii used to make a few comments making us all laugh about certain storylines so we all knew she had been watching behind the scenes.

Moving to a more personal topic, Myself and viewers were deeply moved by your bravery in sharing your cancer diagnosis. How has this experience changed your outlook on life and relationships?

As you can imagine it’s been a difficult thing to deal with mentally and it has been tough, I can’t lie. I’m here, I’m fit and healthy which is the main thing. I’m really grateful that TWO FOUR and BBC allowed me to share my story. During the casting process, everything I was going through was kinda running alongside the hospital appointments and operation. If I am honest the casting process took my mind off things. I remember the conversation I had with Gareth and Kalium up on the terrace and it was strange really as it was the first time I had openly spoken about my diagnosis. It was handled very delicately by the production team, it wasn’t a sob story, I would never want it to be that.

For me my objective was to tell my story and if it helps just one person then for me that’s a job well done as it could potentially be saving someone’s life. Since the show I have had so many messages from boys all around the world telling me that they have checked themselves because of my story and for some they found something and have gone to get themselves checked out. You sometimes forget the power of TV and the influences it has on people so for me to hear those stories makes me proud.

After the show, not many people know but I had to have chemotherapy, out of everything I had gone through this was the hardest thing to deal with, physically it wipes the floor with you, it was actually this time last year October when I had my treatment, 1 week after the treatment I was rushed into hospital, I lost sight in my left eye, couldn’t feel my arms or legs, was having panic attacks and all sorts. I remember collapsing in the hospital and waking up on drips and tubed up. I was in a real bad way – I didn’t know how I would pull myself out of the situation but eventually after 12 hours on a drip, I pulled through. It was without a shadow the worst experience I have ever been through.

What has it taught me? Well, life is too short, life is precious and never take life for granted. It gave me a kick up the ass to basically go out and live life to the max and if I want to do something then I’ll do it, if I don’t want to then say NO. This is the same with relationships right now I don’t want to jump into anything too quickly, I want to just go with the flow. Not put labels on anything, I have not had the best of luck with relationships in the past and I don’t want to find myself in a position where I am doubting myself or feeling I am not good enough, I’ve spent too long doing that and with this life event, it’s time to just crack on.

@mikeyconnor

REAL LIFE STORY – BOYS GET YOURSELF CHECKED #awareness #awarenessvideo #checkyourself #cancer

♬ Get You The Moon – Kina

The fact you have given awareness and succeeded is an incredible achievement Thank you for sharing that with us, I hope our readers will be inspired to also get checking. (I certainly will be)

How does it feel to receive such positive feedback and support from the audience?

It was good to see it get picked up by many publications and get the talk started about testicular cancer. I feel proud to have been able to share my story and for people to hear it. The response and the support have been amazing, from my friends and family to the people part of the show as well as the public. The messages I receive on a daily basis is amazing and going back to people messaging that they have actually gone to get checked puts a smile on my face.

Switching gears, filming can be a long and tiring process. How did you and your fellow contestants keep your energy up and stay motivated during the shooting days?

Every day apart from one day was a filming day but it wasn’t as strenuous as you think. Of course, there is no concept of time, the days last forever. They are broken up a little but we have a little bit of routine. I think most of the day we are all just laughing and joking on and off camera so we get through the day. We were only allowed to two drinks of a night time so for me getting through the day to get my two glasses of wine was enough. I spent a lot of my time in and out of the main massaria as I was always on dates and doing scenes with some of the boys, so compared to some of the others it actually wasn’t too boring or the same same for me. I guess that’s what happens when you are the bombshell.

Sometimes, contestants sneak away for secret conversations or rendezvous. Can you reveal any secret meet-ups or conversations that happened off-camera and may surprise viewers?

The producers were so so strict with conversations off screen – we are mic’d up 24/7 so if we were having a “storyline” conversation we would get the allusive “hold that chat” words thrown at us. They knew everything that was going on. There were times when I tried talking in code but they were always onto it so nothing off screen really happened.

That is actually really good to know as a viewer when watching reality TV. We know that nothing is getting missed! However can you reveal any juicy behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make the cut onto the camera?

For me there was none – I didn’t even get to share a bed with anyone – 2 love triangles and still in a bed on my own. It was funny after I kissed Bobski as no one knew and the looks we were giving each other across the room were rather funny. I kissed Dan a LOT more than what you saw on TV – The scene with Dan when we were eating ice cream went on for ages and I think literally for the whole hour we just spent it kissing. The morning of the kiss off me and Dan were kissing in the kitchen then later that night he picked Ollie. There was nothing too much off screen for me to be honest.

Mikey, after the show, viewers were rooting for you to find love. Can you give us an update on your love life? Have you met someone special since the show wrapped up filming?

I entered the Massaria single, I left the Massaria single and I am still single. The DM’s are full but for now, that’s where they are all staying.

As you move forward after your “I Kissed a Boy” journey, could you tell us about your plans and what lies on the horizon? Are there any intriguing projects, personal milestones, or dreams you’d like to let your fans in on?

Fans? Is that a thing do I actually have fans? It’s crazy to think people see me that way. There is nothing specific at the moment – there will be a few red carpet events but nothing concrete. Ideally, I want to do more TV and want to eventually look to be presenting but we will see what happens.

Of course you have fans! The show’s fans have been buzzing on social media, I can only imagine your DMs. Can you share any funny or cheeky fan messages you’ve received?

View photo* is the most common one – I will let your imagination run away with you on that one. People send me all sorts and messages the most random things – it never stops

Being a social media influencer with a substantial following, have you ever considered starting an OnlyFans account? What are your thoughts on platforms like OnlyFans, where creators share exclusive content with their fans?

Each to their own with Onlyfans – the honest answer, it’s always there in the back of my mind if I would or wouldn’t do it. I am very tempted I can’t lie – many people do drop into the DM’s and ask me if I am on it or going to do it. I know so many people on it and see how much money they make. If I can make a quick 10k then why not ayyyyyy…..

In all seriousness for me I have a good image and I feel that would strip that away from me. I’m an authentic guy and what you see is what you get. I’m sure I’ll drop a few little cheeky things on my Insta story to keep them all keen 😉

Life Advice:

Mikey, you’ve faced a life-changing diagnosis and emerged stronger. What advice do you have for others who might be going through a difficult health challenge?

Just go and get checked – no matter how big or small go to the doctors. I left my lump for over 8 months and my story could be a lot different so I would urge anyone who finds anything to go as it could save your life you never know.

Your journey from Liverpool to a reality TV show is inspiring. What advice do you have for individuals who dream of pursuing their passions, even if it means taking a risk or stepping out of their comfort zone?

I took a risk and look at me, I ended up on a TV show, I’m now speaking to you guys sharing my story. What have you got to lose? Honestly, that’s what you need to ask yourself. It doesn’t matter where you are from, what job you have got, how much money you have in the bank. If an opportunity presents itself take it. You never know what life will throw at you. Whatever comes your way ride the wave what’s for you won’t go by you. I live by that statement, what’s meant to be will happen. Don’t worry about what you can’t control, just go out and live your life and enjoy it.

Balancing family, work, and personal life can be tricky. How do you manage to stay grounded and prioritize what matters most to you?

This is the hardest part when you still have a full time job, I’m still a football referee and then I am going to these red carpet events, doing interviews, podcasts and being on the radio. It’s hard to balance it, but if you are determined you can make it work then it will. I make it work because I want to do as much as I possibly can do, keeping the people who mean the most to you around you and having a good support network is important. I just need to decide what I want to do next. Do I want to be a football referee, do I want to push the influencing side of things, TV / Presenting or Onlyfans? We will see and I’m sure you guys will be there with me hopefully sharing the experience.

Is there a particular book or quote that has significantly influenced your life and could inspire our readers, whether it’s related to mindset, health, or simply how you view the world?

Books? Are you crazy, Mikey does not read books. I have the attention span of a goldfish so getting my head down in a 200-page book is an absolute no go. Back to what I said before what is for you won’t go by you…….. it was actually Adele who said that and since I have heard it I have lived by it. It’s true though right? – What is meant to be is meant to be.

More personally though, after my cancer diagnosis, I just say live life to the full, life is precious, life is short and go out and live it.

For no reason at all..

What’s the weirdest food combination you secretly enjoy but wouldn’t admit to in public?

Now you have got me stuck on this- I’m very fussy with my food so there is nothing really that comes to mind. A sausage and bacon bagel with black pudding, cheese on top and BBQ sauce is a weird one for me.

Take away the black pudding, it sounds pretty great!

Can you share a quirky or unusual habit you have that always makes your friends laugh or shake their heads?

I say “YAH” a lot. Instead of Yeah. It really annoys all of my friends, in fact, it annoys everyone but it is kind of catchy and then the next minute everyone is saying yah.

Snog. Marry. Avoid. (Liverpool Edition)

Paul McCartney:

Steven Gerrard:

John Bishop:

Right, is this a trick question? JHEEEEZZZZZZZZZ you’ve got me on this one.

Snog – Steven Gerrard

Marry – John Bishop – he’s funny so that’ll work

Avoid – Paul McCartney  – nuff said

EXIT: MIKEY CONNOR

As we wrap up our interview with Mikey Connor, its a given his story is nothing short of incredible. He entered the world of reality TV as a cast member of “I Kissed a Boy,” but his journey goes far beyond the screen. As he shared, “life is too short, life is precious, and never take life for granted.” Mikey’s experience, from battling cancer to navigating the unpredictable waters of relationships, has taught him to live life to the fullest and seize opportunities when they come knocking.

He has become a source of inspiration for countless individuals, motivating them to seek medical attention when they need it most. As he rightly emphasized, “just go and get checked – no matter how big or small, go to the doctors.”

And, when it comes to pursuing one’s dreams, Mikey Connor is clear: “What have you got to lose? It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what job you have, or how much money you have in the bank. If an opportunity presents itself, take it. You never know what life will throw at you.”

As we wrap up this interview, we can’t help but reflect on Mikey’s resilience, his dedication to living life to the fullest, and his commitment to inspiring others to do the same. It’s been an honour to explore the many facets of Mikey Connor and his remarkable journey, and we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his inspiring story.

Find Mikey Connor online –

Instagram
ShopLTK
Twitter

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