Lucy Mecklenburgh’s relationship with Ryan Thomas was a "real bonus" to taking part in ‘Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls’.
The former ‘Only Way is Essex’ star got together with the ex-‘Coronation Street’ star during their stay on the Pearl Islands, off the coast of Panama, after they formed a strong bond during filming becuase there was "not much to do" apart from chat.
She said: "That’s a real bonus to the experience.
"We didn’t actually know each other before we went in but we’d crossed paths – we have loads of mutual friends.
"We had a connection early on because we’re a similar age and had a lot to talk about. And there’s not much to do on the island other than talk."
The celebrities taking part – which also included swimmer Sharron Davies, ‘Breaking Bad’ actor RJ Mitte, and former Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton – were left to fend for themselves with just the clothes they were wearing, basic tools, medical supplies and enough water to last 24 hours, which Lucy admits was "not ideal" when it came to impressing Ryan.
However, the 25-year-old beauty found a positive in that she’ll never have to worry too much about dazzling her boyfriend because he’s seen her at her worst.
She said: "Not ideal [conditions to impress]. But I think there’s something lovely about it and raw and organic and they’re never going to see you [looking] any worse are they?"
Though she cried "bucket loads" during filming, Lucy hopes the programme will show a new side to her.
She told HELLO! magazine: "I’m a lot tougher than people think.
"People probably think I’m an Essex bimbo. And, being a girl, it’s not very nice thinking I’m not going to have a mirror for a month, no shampoo.
"But when you’re in there, it’s the least of your problems. And I like to get out of my comfort zone and push myself."
Lucy Mecklenburgh thanks Bear Grylls for relationship with Ryan Thomas
