The Shape I’m In: Karl Bowe, model and actor

I AM running late for my appointment with Karl Bowe. I text to apologise and immediately he sends a text back saying not a bother, that there’s no need to apologise.

He may be one Ireland’s hottest men with a 6ft 2in ripped body and melting good looks, but add an easy going manner into the mix and you’ve got a winning combination.

He was certainly a hit with the girls when he appeared on ITV’s hit dating show Take Me Out, landing a sun holiday with stunning Londoner Rachel Simmons.

It was all good fun, he says. Though he and Rachel parted ways after their island break, they still keep in touch. “You never know what would happen down the line.”

While modelling is paying the bills right now, his passion is acting. He studied performing arts for two years — “a fantastic experience,” he says.

The training shows. A recent guest role in TV3’s series Red Rock, saw him effortlessly play the part of the estate agent, Shane O’Connor.

He wasn’t always a head-turning Adonis. “I saw a picture of myself on my 18th birthday. I was holding a big chocolate cake. I said hang on ... this doesn’t look right at all, I need to do something. I had a 38in waist — I was always wearing extra large clothes.” It was a turning point. He began to workout and watch his diet with impressive results — he is the current Mr Ireland.

Aged 25 and living in Crumlin — “a close community” —he has a sister who is a year younger. And he remains “free and single”. But, given his winning ways, it’s unlikely he’ll stay single for long.

* Red Rock airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm on TV3.

What shape are you in?

I’m average. I don’t have a six-pack but I’d be fairly toned. I go to the gym four to five times a week, staying an hour each time. I start off with a few weights to tone up then I’d finish off with some cardio just to break a bit of sweat. You feel better in yourself when you sweat more.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I love chicken Caesar salad — that’s my main meal. You’ve got your protein, your greens, tomatoes.

Do you have any health concerns?

No. I am very fit and healthy, thank God. Long may that continue.

What’s you guiltiest pleasure?

I’ve a terrible sweet tooth. If I eat a meal I always feel I have to have something that a little bit sweet. But I’ve stopped eating chocolate in the past few weeks. I treat myself now and again to a burger.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t enjoy being in the moment. When I’m doing one project I’ll work on that but I’m always on what’s next as opposed to focusing on the present.

How do you relax?

I go to my room, lie on my bed, listen to a bit of music. And that’s pretty much it. I’d rest for maybe two hours. After that I’m ready for the busy schedule.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

The Manchester United football team.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love Hugo Boss Orange. It’s an aftershave and the nicest smell in the world.

Is there anything you’d like to change about your appearance?

Maybe to tone up more. And just be that little bit taller. I’d like to be 6ft 4ins — to have more presence.

When is the last time you cried?

On Christmas morning. My dad somehow, some way, got someone to write a song about me — what I’d been through, what I’d done and all that. It wasn’t the song itself, it was the whole emotion. It was a fantastic year [winning Mr Ireland], it was also a tough one at home because my parents split up. Everybody still gets on great — they’re still my mam and dad. The tears were just flowing down my cheeks.

What trait do you least like in others?

When a person is not very talkative and boring.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but I am quite an emotional person. Maybe to have a bit more strength in myself, a bit more belief.

Do you pray?

Yes I do. Every night.

What would cheer up your day?

It’s the small things that can make me happy. And if I’m in a happy mood I can get very giddy. If people were to say positive things about me in relation to Mr Ireland or Take Me Out or whatever on social media. It means so much to me.