He's the cheeky hunk who found fame on Married At First Sight in 2022 before making an unforgettable appearance on Love Island Australia.
And now Al Perkins has spoken about the ups and downs of his reality TV journey and his life after the show.
The 27-year-old sat down with Chron Australia to provide a rare insight into the fleeting nature of fame and the realities of life after the cameras stop rolling.
Married At First Sight groom Al Perkins has spoken about the ups and downs of his reality TV journey and his life after the show
The 27-year-old sat down with Chron Australia to provide a rare insight into the fleeting nature of fame and the realities of life after the cameras stop rolling. (Pictured on MAFS with his on-screen “wife,” Samantha Moitzi)
Feeling the pressure of fading fame
“I am anxious. “I'm not going to play a role anymore,” Al admitted with a sense of urgency that reflected the reality TV star's transience.
His concerns about becoming “washed out” reflect the feelings of former performers who struggle to stay relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Al recalled the initial excitement of seeing himself on the small screen for the first time: “I remember when the commercial came out.” [for MAFS]and little Chron articles would appear… and you would pass them all on to your family and friends.'
However, that excitement seems to have faded over time as he realizes that being overshadowed by newer candidates is inevitable.
“I am anxious. “I'm not going to play a role anymore,” Al admitted with a sense of urgency that reflected the reality TV star's transience
The reality of reality TV
Al's appearance on the show was a journey of self-discovery, particularly in seeing himself the way others do.
“How shitty I look in real life… and how stupid I look sometimes,” he reflected, noting how the show held up a mirror to his mannerisms and speech patterns.
“Imagine seeing this on TV every day. Every single night. “So, yeah, I think the biggest thing I learned was that I'm really ugly.”
His concerns about becoming “washed out” echo the feelings of past performers who struggle to stay relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape
This often harsh self-confidence is a byproduct of his reality TV experience.
When Al reflected on his failed TV marriage to fashion brand manager Samantha Moitzi, he described it in three words: “Silly, cheeky and destructive.”
He acknowledged his role in the relationship's failure, citing differences in physical preferences and personalities.
When Al reflected on his failed TV marriage to fashion brand manager Samantha Moitzi, he described it in three words: “Silly, cheeky and destructive.”
Life beyond the show
Since appearing on Married At First Sight and Love Island Australia, Al hasn't slowed down.
The religious reality star keeps herself busy with lucrative club gigs and missionary work in East Timor.
His work-life balance includes carpentry work and managing several investment properties, while also enjoying the comforts of home life.
Since appearing on Married At First Sight and Love Island Australia, Al has not slowed down and remains busy with missionary work
Dealing with the financial side
Al sheds light on the financial aspects of reality TV fame.
“MAFS pays you a little over a grand a week… But it's the later confirmations that make you money,” he revealed.
Al said he earned a total of about $25,000 by showing up at nightclubs around the country and partying with his fans.
Al explained that he was paid $1,000 to $2,000 per appearance per appearance.
Al said he earned a total of around $25,000 by showing up at nightclubs around the country and partying with his fans
This hectic schedule resulted in Perkins traveling around the country with his co-stars, gracing the clubs with his presence almost every weekend for several months.
Although the experience was exhilarating, Perkins didn't shy away from talking about the toll it took on him. “It was fun,” he admitted, “but it takes a lot out of the body. “You drink all the time.”
Perkins felt a strong sense of responsibility towards his fans and the clubs that paid him.
Perkins felt a strong sense of responsibility towards his fans and the clubs that paid him
He was determined to give the audience the best experience, which often meant enhancing the party atmosphere.
“If someone pays me that much money, I want to increase it,” he said, showing his commitment to living up to his public role.
One of the wilder aspects of these performances was taking part in the Australian tradition of a “shoey” – drinking out of a shoe – something Perkins seemed to fully embrace.
“I did every shoe that was thrown at me.” “I was just wild,” he remembers.
Despite his experiences, Al's views on love and marriage remain unchanged, although he has come to understand the complexities of these concepts. Pictured with friend Hope Kelesis
Love and Marriage: A New Perspective
Despite his experiences, Al's views on love and marriage remain unchanged, although he has come to understand the complexities of these concepts.
“I realize now that love is probably really hard,” he mused, reflecting on his naivety before joining MAFS.
“Before I went on the show I thought, 'Oh, it's damn easy to fall in love or get married or do all those things.' But it's not, it's damn hard. “You really have to like each other.”
When asked about his current relationship status, Al insisted that things were “good” between him and his girlfriend Hope Kelesis, despite breakup rumors.
“Hope and I are fine.” A lot of people talk about it, but yeah. “All I can say is that we are good,” he reassured.
When asked about his current relationship status, Al insisted that things were “good” between him and his girlfriend Hope, despite breakup rumors