Entertainment

Paul, is that you? Love Island star dons top hat in cheesy throwback pictures

The reality TV star has had quite the career already, it seems…
The reality TV star has had quite the career already, it seems… The reality TV star has had quite the career already, it seems…

Pictures of Paul Knops taken years before he appeared in Love Island have resurfaced, showing him taking part in a silly Christmas-themed photoshoot.

Paul, who came second in the ITV2 dating series with partner Laura Anderson, was arguably one of the more famous people to enter the villa, having starred in a Britney Spears video as her love interest.

St James’s Christmas tree lights
St James’s Christmas tree lights From left, Juliet Johns, Robin Dutt and Paul Knops dressed as London Dandies to switch on the St James’s Christmas tree lights in December 2011 (David Parry/PA)

Although he said he was a carpenter when he joined the show, he had also worked as a model and actor, playing the role of Adam in TV miniseries The Bible and its feature film Son Of God.

Photos have now re-emerged of him taking part in a fun Christmas shoot in 2011 for the switch on of London’s St James’s Christmas tree lights.

Dressed as a “London dandy”, Paul wore a maroon velvet jacket, bow tie and top hat while posing in front of a Christmas tree with other models.

The 31-year-old appears not to have aged since the photos were taken seven years ago, with his chiselled jaw and striking eyes unchanged.

Paul entered the Love Island villa on day 43, and quickly became coupled with original contestant Laura.

The pair then managed to make it to second place behind winners Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer.