Donna Preston - Celebs Go Dating 2025
Category: Press Pack ArticleWhy did you say yes to joining the agency?
Because dating is an absolute palaver, and for me to go on it and for someone to actually look for dates for me, and me to get paid at the same time, it's a no-brainer really, isn't it? I'd rather put my love life in someone else’s hands, to be honest, because I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if as I've got older, I've got more content. Well, I am content now, and I just kind of feel like if someone's going to come into my life, then we've got to really work in harmony together. I can't be mothering them. I don't want arguments, all that stuff, really.
Are you looking for love?
Do you know what? It would be incredible if I found the one, but I'm on a journey where I don't know, are we meant to stay with one person for the rest of our lives? I don't think we are, because I've had two relationships in my life, but I'd like to settle down. It's about halving the load, isn't it, really? But also on the flip side of that, I'd rather just be happy and content working, coming home, playing with my cat, Mr. Biggs, and hanging out with my friends.
Do you believe in love?
Yeah, I think there's a very fine line between love and lust, isn't there? I definitely wear my heart on my sleeve and I can become quite obsessed and fixated on a picture. But it's like a job interview, dating. You are on your best behaviour and then four dates in, you see a completely different person. I'm not here for that
Is your guard up when you date?
Look, I always trust someone until they give me something not to trust. But I'm also very much guarded. And if I see a red flag, I immediately go, “No." Because life's short, isn't it? And it's not a rehearsal. And I used to always give people the benefit of the doubt, which I kind of still do, but also you kind of go, "Well, you shouldn't be acting or behaving like that, but that's not for me. And that's okay, because we're all very different in life, but you're just not connected. We're not connected together." But I'm actually quite chilled out and laid back, I think. But yeah, like I say, I'll definitely cap it if there's a red flag.
Going into the agency, what did you tell the agents you were looking for in a man?
Well, it's funny. I said, "I just kind of want a normal guy." I do like a tradey. And it's funny, because everyone then was a tradey. I was like, "Well, we can think outside the box again. That was just off the cuff." But I like a tradey, because they're really handy. I feel like they get their heads down and they come back, and they're exhausted. And I'm very much like, "Oh, I'll put your tea on." I love doing that when I'm not working. I love caring. But yeah, it was definitely tall and then a good smile, and then just a funny person, that's kind of what I asked for really.
What is a big turnoff for you?
I would say negative people, it's a lot. Or people who just don't ask you questions, because it's just dull. And also, wearing no socks with a boat shoe. Do you know what I mean? I just feel like in the summer, it's very sweaty in there. And also, another thing is, I went on a date a couple of months ago, and he actually came to mine, because it was the fourth date, and I offered him a drink and he was like, "Yeah, have you got any milk?” I said, "Milk?" He wanted a glass of milk. I was like, "Right." "Okay." And weirdly, I mean, if there was a spoonful of coffee in there, it wouldn't be weird or a spoonful of hot chocolate, but it was just milk. And I think that's given me the ick now. It was just really odd.
How important is sexual chemistry?
I think it is really important. I've got to be able to fancy them and them, me. I think my previous relationships, there was never any public display of affection. It was more friends. And this time I'd love a person who would literally just really be obsessed with me. I'd like that, but not like an annoying puppy. I mean, puppies aren't annoying, but do you know what I mean? Not like, oh God, get away. You know in the movies where they look at their other half, and they go, "God, you look beautiful." I'd like that.
How are you with spotting red flags?
I think I'm quite good at it now, to be honest. And I think what's important is always listening to your gut instinct. If something is off or it's not sitting right, then you have to move on. But I think also as well, if you had a good date and you are kind of questioning it, by going, "I don't know," then go on a second date and then assess the situation then. But yeah, I think I've got a good gut instinct now. I hope.
What are you like on a date?
I definitely like to have a couple of drinks, but I don't get absolutely battered. So I like to keep it at two drinks. I ask questions all the time. And I think maybe, I don't know, I ask a lot of questions, because I don't like there to be silence. I think I'm quite positive on a first date, and I don't like to go for dinner on a first date. That's not for me. I like something casual, like a walk in the park, let's get a coffee, let's go to the pub, or just have a little walk or whatever. I think dinner's definitely for like a third date or something.
Is it hard to date when you’re in the public eye?
Do you know what? No. If people know me, they go, "Oh, that's cool." And then they don't ask any questions. I genuinely don't think they give a shit. I think some men are quite, I don't know. Well, the men that I've met are just kind of from A to B. They go to work, they like football, they like to eat, they like a beer, and they don't really talk that much.
A big part of the show is working with the agents, how have you found working with them?
Oh, honestly, they're just a ray of sunshine. They're so kind and calm, and they really, really want to help. And they gave me a lot of guidance actually, which I will obviously take on board going forward. They kind of said that I have a tricky time setting boundaries, and that's really stuck out for me. And going forward, I have got firmer boundaries now. I'm like, "That's not acceptable. Certain things aren't acceptable going forward." And it's been great. I absolutely adore them, and I'm so lucky that I had that opportunity to work with them and meet them, really. It is hard not to flirt with Paul though, right? Oh, he's an absolute dish, isn't he? He's very sweet.
Do you feel more confident heading back out into the dating world?
Yeah. Well, like I say, it's just about not wasting people's time, isn't it? So it's just, why are we kind of telling lies to people? For example, there was a couple of people I dated in the agency and they said, "Oh, I want to see you again." And they did Instagram me and text me, saying, "I'd love to see you again.” But then you get at the brunch going, "Oh no, I don't want to see you again. We haven't got that spark.” And I said to the guy specifically, I said, "Why would you want to waste your own time and my time? Why didn't you just say we haven't got that spark on the first date? Because you doing that, it wastes my energy and it wastes your energy." Am I right?