Why I’m a Celebrity, MAFS star Ryan Gallagher quit alcohol

Former I’m a Celebrity and Married At First Sight star Ryan Gallagher has revealed what made him give up alcohol.

Former I’m a Celebrity star Ryan Gallagher has revealed he is done with alcohol for good.

Earlier this year, the reality TV star vowed to stay sober after drinking began to affect his relationships and five months on, he hasn’t had a drink.

“I’m totally done, I’ll never drink again,” he told Confidential.

“I probably lost the love of my life because of alcohol and gambling when I was younger and very silly.”

Gallagher, 33, who hails from Goulburn, said while he only used to drink roughly “once a month”, he was a binge drinker which made his anxiety worse.

Ryan Gallagher has a new comedy show called Reality's Ducked which is inspired by his own stint on shows like MAFS and I'm a Celebrity. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Alcohol definitely wasn’t good for me anxiety-wise, I’ve suffered from anxiety my whole life,” he said.

“When my dog died, I was feeling a bit down and I didn’t even want to get out of bed. I was pretty depressed.

“I definitely thought about having a drink to settle it and that sort of scared me. I then realised I just don’t enjoy it anymore.”

The former Married At First Sight contestant said alcohol abuse runs in his family and he hopes to break the cycle.

Ryan, who was paired with Davina Rankin on MAFS, has struggled to find love after the show.

Ryan enjoyed a brief romance with Charlotte Crosby on IAC last year. Supplied.

“My dad’s an alcoholic … I don’t want to be that dad that I had who was just drunk all the time and you didn’t know what you were coming home to. It wasn’t a healthy environment and I definitely don’t want that for my future kids,” he said.

“That’s why I very rarely did drink and when I did I was binge drinking.

“My brother was an ice addict so I steer well clear of [drugs].”

Last year, Gallagher was linked to UK reality TV star Charlotte Crosby after the pair struck up a romance in the South African jungle however they eventually split and he remains single.

He said he hasn’t had much luck on the dating scene despite his celebrity profile.

“I think I’ll be forever single to be honest,” he said.

“Unfortunately, no girls are fishing for me. Every girl who I slip into their [direct messages] either doesn’t reply or tells me to go away.

“I definitely wouldn’t date an influencer. They’re always on their phones.”

As the pandemic continues, Gallagher hopes to bring some lighthearted relief to audiences around the country when he kicks off his unfiltered comedy show Reality’s Ducked later this year, which is inspired by his reality TV experience.