Comedian and television personality Alan Carr has shared the heartfelt and poignant reason he has chosen to stay out of the dating scene in the years following his divorce.
A Candid Conversation Over Dinner
The revelation came during a dinner conversation filmed for his new BBC series, Amanda and Alan's Greek Job, alongside co-host Amanda Holden. As they celebrated Carr's 49th birthday, the pair delved into topics of regret and moving on from past relationships.
When asked by Holden if he had any life regrets, Carr maintained a positive outlook, stating that every experience had shaped him. Holden, who has also been through a divorce, agreed, emphasising that while past mistakes may have caused hurt, they ultimately define who a person becomes.
The Root of the Problem: Trust
The conversation took a more personal turn when Holden questioned whether Carr felt he could trust himself to find love again after his marriage ended. Carr's response was starkly honest.
He confessed to having major trust issues, stating plainly, "I don't trust anyone really, that's the trouble." He clarified that his trust is reserved for a very small circle, including his family and Holden herself, but the prospect of extending that trust to a new romantic partner is currently too daunting.
Carr also reflected on his own nature, admitting that his kindness has sometimes led to him being taken advantage of in the past. "There's times that I wish I'd said no, wish I'd been a bit bolder and a bit stronger," he told his co-star.
Looking Back on His Marriage
Alan Carr was married to Paul Drayton for three years, after a relationship that spanned a total of 13 years from 2006. The couple announced their joint decision to separate in 2022.
Following the split, Drayton, whose public struggles with alcoholism were widely believed to have contributed to the marriage's end, proactively checked into a rehabilitation facility. At the time, he released a statement expressing his commitment to a journey of sobriety and strength, and the pair parted with stated continued love and friendship.
Now, four years on, Carr's candid admission highlights the lasting emotional impact of the divorce. While he appears focused on his work and new projects, the path to new love remains blocked by the fundamental challenge of learning to trust again.
