A new reality show, More To Love will debut on FOX tonight featuring Luke Conley as the leading man in search of love. The 26-yr-old real estate investor and sub-contractor was interviewed by PEOPLE about his participation in the first dating reality show featuring a full figured bachelor and bachelorettes.
The series will show Luke, who is 6?3? tall and weighs more than 300 lbs dating 20 bachelorettes in a quest to find love. Luke doesn’t reveal if he found love but he wants you to tune in and be a part of his journey as he embarks on love.
These are excerpts from the interview:
TV is a notoriously thin place, but there’s been an upswing in pleasantly plump programming. Why do you think that is?
Maybe they have wider angles on their cameras now so they can fit me on. Maybe the trend is heading in that direction because people are just looking for something new and more real.Were you concerned about being the butt of a nationally televised joke?
I was concerned the main premise of the show was to poke fun. It seemed like everyone had to be talked into it for that same reason. But it’s legitimate. The desire of the show is for two people to make a sincere connection. It just so happens that they’re not size 2 models.Are you offended by the title?
The title is suiting. I’m a big man so I definitely have more love.Has weight impacted your love life over the years?
In high school, it caused me to be somewhat bashful. I would find out about girls with crushes on me, but I never knew what to do about it. Bulking up wasn’t something I didn’t have a choice in. I was pursuing a football career. After traveling and in college, I never let it hold me back or stop me from approaching a woman I was interested in.
You prefer a plus-size woman. Why?
To be voluptuous is scrumptious. I grew up in a family full of plus-size women. It is more about personality and a sense of humor than a dress size. If she’s got a big behind, she’s a friend of mine. We can go out, enjoy life and not worry about the things that other people tend to obsess over.How was it adjusting to dating 20 women at once?
There’s no way to prepare. When it was a group date, I tried to make it a party atmosphere and entertain everyone. My goal was to make sure no one felt left out. I tried to get to know each girl individually and when I was with her, I focused on her and the relationship I was building with her. I hope I’m not portrayed as an opportunist trying to get physical with [everyone].Did you ever get used to dating on camera?
I tried to think of it as a cool guy hanging out with you on the date. But even that can be weird in an intimate moment especially [because I’m] wary of public displays of affection. It got steamy. I had to get over the fact that there are people in the room when you’re making out in a hot tub.How about the eliminations?
That was the most difficult part. I wished I could keep all of them.
Tell us: Will you watch “More to Love” Tonight?
