Featured Image Credit: Jam Press
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Celebrity, Life
Ella Scott
Britain’s ‘most tattooed man’ says he isn’t ‘everyone’s cup of tea’ as he details his ongoing dating struggles.
Birmingham-born King Of Ink Land King Body Art The Extreme Ink - Ite - formerly known as Matthew Whelan - is a self-confessed ‘tattoo addict’ who goes by Body Art for short.
Last year, the 44-year-old claimed he’d spent more than £40,000 ($50,700) on modifying his body and had experienced over 1,500 hours in the tattoo parlour.
Advert
He also recently revealed he was taking a break from getting any more ink as he wanted to clear his £66,000 ($83,700) mortgage.
In a new interview, Body Art stated that his numerous tattoos are starting to cause havoc with his dating life and that most of his relationships have ended due to his uniqueness.
Speaking about his love life, the ink enthusiast said: “I’m a King without his Queen. I think dating someone very alternative [comes with] its own challenges.”
“I was seeing someone up until January this year, but that ended and while I’ve been on a tattoo hiatus, I’ve had enough time to move on. Now, I’ve been officially single for half-a-year.”
Body Art has claimed to have suffered criticism over his look in the past, with one date telling him that his eyes - which he has previously had stained black - made him look like a demon.
Moreover, he said another potential suitor alleged he would become an ‘inky mess’ as his body aged.
The tattoo lover also said that dates can be awkward affairs due to the stares he draws and that he has previously been ‘used’ for celebrity and event access.
“I’ve also attracted a fair share of stalkers over the years,” he explained to the publication.
“While my appearance may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I belong to someone out there. They will see past the way I look and want to get to know the person inside.”
Body Art, who broke a world record back in 2016 by having 36 tattoo artists ink him at the same time, has previously appeared on Made TV’s Game of Attraction.
He was unfortunately eliminated in week two of the show but he hasn’t ruled out a return to reality TV.
“I don’t see myself popping up on Love Island anytime soon, but who knows. Maybe The Undateables?”
Despite remaining single, Body Art owns an English Bulldog named Mary, who resembles the very first tattoo he got when he was 16.
Speaking to The Mirror about the pooch, he said: "My first-ever tattoo has become a reality. I've never had a dog before in my life, as I've always been more about exotic animals, such as reptiles.
"But, it has been quite strange that my first K9 also happens to be the same animal, features and all, that was also my first tattoo on this journey.”
He added that he believes animals are ‘much better’ companions than humans as they become family extremely quickly.