HE won the hearts of single ladies all over the nation when he appeared on First Dates, but Jay Watkin says he has found a new calling in life since appearing on the show.

The 31-year-old bachelor from Chippenham, who appeared on the popular Channel 4 show opposite his date Sophie earlier this month, has now turned his hand to inspiring others with his story.

The business consultant, who works at Good Energy, told his date - and the nation - how he got tattoos to cover up large burns on his arm after boiling hot water was accidentally dropped on him as a child.

“I hadn’t dated for a while and a lot of people my age turn stereotypically to apps like Tinder, which is no good for someone like me,” he said.

“I know what I want and apps like that take all the fun out of dating. I want to go out and speak to them face to face, not over the internet.

“A few of my friends had asked me if I had ever thought about going on First Dates and although I watched it, I told them to shut up! After a while I asked my mum and she said I should go for it.

“Within a few days of filling out the application form, I had a phone call asking me to come to Bristol and that’s where I did some of the interview people saw on TV. “

Viewers were amused with the dad-of-two’s attempts at wooing his date, before he showed off his tattoo and his emotional story about how he was bullied for seven years of his life.

“A lot of people asked me if I had rehearsed for the date, but honestly I didn’t,” the 31-year-old said. “I told my story because it has made me who I am and I can’t change that.

“I actually think the date went quite well and we did meet up after the show but I am exactly the way I come across on TV but I can’t say the same for her. We both decided that this wasn’t what we wanted and parted ways.

“Since then I can’t believe how many people have messaged me about their experiences.

“I didn’t realise how my story was going to affect people. I have talked about this hundreds of times but since the show, I feel like I have a new calling in life.

Since taking part in the show Mr Watkin, who was born in Bolton, has become an ambassador for charity Bullying UK and is in talks with helping Barnardos.

“If I have shown that I can do this and speak out about my experiences, others can too. I think it is important to raise awareness that bullying doesn’t just have a physical effect, it has a mental effect too.”