Sarah Harding joins Sky Living HD’s hit reality show Dating In The Dark for an all-new third series. We sat down with the Girls Aloud star to get her views on the show that takes blind dating to new extremes…

How did you get involved with Dating In The Dark?

In America they have their own presenter, so the producers wanted to make a bigger package here and asked if I was interested. I’d seen it and thought it’d be fun – it’s a much more interesting way of getting to know someone and it goes to show how shallow people really are. You get people who act like they’re married off, and then you get to the end of the show at the light reveal and they’re like “Oh…”.

Do you think people became less fixated on looks by the end of the show?

No. As soon as the lights came on people freaked out because the other person was the complete opposite of what they’d expected. That day was always the weirdest because everyone was freaking out – like “Oh my god I thought she had dark hair; I told you I don’t like blondes!”. Did you get annoyed by people’s reactions? A few times I’d tell the boys “Don’t be so shallow!” One of them was like “I was expecting Miss England, but I got Miss Salford.” They’re so picky and I’d say “What’s wrong with you, she’s gorgeous!” That’s why they wanted me to get involved I think, because they knew I’d give the contestants a grilling. I think it’s really funny – it’s great entertainment and I think it’s a reality check for them.

Are you normally a bit of a matchmaker?

I tell you what, I’ve become a real agony aunt since getting engaged and doing the show. I’m great at giving advice, but I’m s**t at taking it!

Could you imagine taking part if you hadn’t become famous?

I don’t know; it’s worth trying out just to see how shallow you are. In this day and age everyone’s really
obsessed with looks, so it’s nice to know that you can really get to know someone and like them for their
personality first.

What do you think makes the show so addictive?

The jeopardy of it and the excitement. You’ve got to put yourself in someone else’s position, because it’s
not your everyday thing. Not everyone would do it so it’s very interesting to watch – then you think ‘would I
be like that?’.

Were the participants aware that there was a twist this series?

Some of them worked it out and realised that there were only three beds in the bedroom. But it was
difficult because you’d say to them “You need to decide which one’s gonna go” and then you’d see
them realise ‘Oh, that means one of us is going too’.

Can you explain a bit how the compatibility tests worked?

It’s all matched up to whether they have the same values, and their views on vanity and things. They
basically get grilled when they fill out the forms and it shows the highest match – who has the most similar
personalities. I asked if they it could do it for me and Tom [her fiancé]; we’d be very good but we’d clash.
We’re very similar, I’m not sure if that’s in a good or a bad way.

How important are looks to you?

I used to want to go for the bad boys because I thought I could turn them – I’m sure every girl does. I
always liked excitement and I never liked boring; I like a bit of unpredictability but it was never to my favour.
With Tom, I knew him for about sixth months before and it really paid off to have that foundation of
friendship. We’ve got the same future outlook and stuff and it all fitted together.

He just laughed me into bed. He wasn’t my type at all, we’re a very similar height and I used to go for tall, big guys. But personality-wise we really clicked and he made me laugh my socks off. He’s just a really cheeky chappy. He can get on with anyone… but not get off with anyone.

http://celebritain.com/#/sarah-harding-dating-in-the-da/4551034121