Man who bared all on Channel 4's Naked Attraction now running for office in by-election

A former Naked Attraction contestant is now running for office in an upcoming by-election in his local town.

Connor Rouse, 28, is a Liberal Democrat candidate that is running in a Norfolk by-election that is taking place in May.

However, those in his community aren't as familiar with his political history, instead being more knowledgable when it comes to his brief stint on TV.

Rouse was once a contestant on Channel 4's fan-favourite show, Naked Attraction, and though we don't know the future of the beloved series, we do know about the people that have made an appearance on it.

For those who don't know the premise of the series, a contestant is made to choose a partner from a group of people who expose their naked bodies, section by section, with their faces hidden.

Rouse made an appearance in a 2023 episode, but sadly came in as runner-up after contestant Allanah settled on someone else.

In an exchange with her, he said: "You've got a great smile and, with all the language of love that I have, I'd like to make it wider."

She said she liked his 'nice, manly voice', but I'm sure she had no idea about his career in politics.

Now, he is contesting a by-election for a seat on the North Norfolk District Council, in his home town of Holt.

While campaigning, he has dodged questions about his past appearance on the controversial show, putting on a brave, professional face when asked about his previous nude appearance.

In a statement about his intention to run, he stated: "Holt's my home town. It's a beautiful place to live, but that doesn't mean it can't be even better.

"As Holt's next councillor, I'll fight hard to ensure the new primary school gets built without delay."

The 28-year-old is looking to further his career in politics (Channel 4)

The care home housekeeper added: "The county Conservatives have let us down badly by breaking their promise to build us a much-needed new, modern primary school.

"I'll also campaign for safety improvements along the dangerous A148, and work with Steff Aquarone MP to ensure first-class health services are within easy reach for local people."

Despite his intentions to improve the local area though, some residents have voiced their concern at the former Channel 4 contestant running, with 93-year-old Jack Horwood calling it 'crazy', stating to the Daily Mail: "Anything seems to go these days," adding that nobody will take him seriously.

Another was more playful, saying: "Could I take him seriously as a councillor? Well, it depends on where I was looking."

Other Lib Dems have backed Rouse for a seat, with Aquarone explaining: "I've known Connor a while and I know he'd make an excellent councillor for Holt. He has my full backing."

Rouse hopes to become a councillor for his hometown (Channel 4)

The MP went on to respond to Rouse's points in his statement, reassuring voters that he would get the primary school built, improve safety measurements along the A148, and make the area 'an even better place to live.'

Tim Adams, the North Norfolk District Council Lib Dem leader, stated that this might be 'another' challenge that he could take on in his life.

A Lib Dem councillor for Holt, Martin Batey, responded to online criticism, saying: "What's the problem with that? It's all down to personal choice. He did nothing wrong.

"It takes a lot of guts to do something like that, if you ask me. It shows he is not afraid to show who he is as a person."

The by-election is set to take place on 1 May, though the council is controlled by the Lib Dems, holding 25 of the 40 seats.