Stranded on Honeymoon Island cast member Chad was once an exotic dancer in Perth.
In a surprising twist on the reality series Stranded on Honeymoon Island, cast member Chad has revealed an unexpected chapter from his past. Known today as a charming TV personality and an orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne, Chad once captivated audiences in a different way—as an exotic dancer in Perth’s vibrant 90s club scene.
Chad’s past came to light during a recent episode when a photo album showcasing his days as a “male stripper” was presented to his on-screen wife, Georgia. The revelation added another layer of intrigue to the show’s drama-filled narrative, as Chad navigates the complexities of forming a romantic connection with Georgia.
A Nightclub Past
Back in the early 1990s, Chad was a nursing student at Curtin University. His foray into exotic dancing began unexpectedly during a night out with rugby friends at Northbridge’s James St Nightclub. Encouraged by his peers, Chad took to the stage to compete for a $100 bar card, a performance that not only won him free drinks but also caught the attention of the club’s owner. This led to a regular gig as a “G-string waiter.”
“I went back to uni on the Monday and told my uni student study classes, ‘This is what happened to me. Do you think I should do it?’ And they went, ‘No, don’t Chad, don’t be a stripper!’”
Despite his classmates’ reservations, Chad’s mother supported his new venture, even helping him craft costumes for his performances. “She was very supportive in that sense, and I did it more so for the showman outlet and in terms of entertainment,” Chad recalled.
From Nightclubs to Reality TV
After completing his studies, Chad moved to Melbourne to be closer to his family, particularly his sister, who was born with special needs. His charisma and physique soon landed him a spot on the 2004 reality series Playing it Straight. Although his journey for love on television was initially unsuccessful, Chad has returned to the small screen in search of romance once more.
Chad’s current stint on Stranded on Honeymoon Island has been anything but glamorous. He describes the experience as a test of endurance and emotional resilience, given the lack of creature comforts and the constant pressure of being on camera.
“You’re spending every day together, not only spending every day, but you’re stressed, in the sense that you’re literally without any of your creature comforts,” he said. “So when she’s having a bad hair day, we never had a mirror. We didn’t know what each other looked like, so all that stuff you’re navigating through, I feel like that was a powerful answer to the emotions.”
Looking Ahead
Chad’s journey from a nightclub performer to a respected medical professional and reality TV star is a testament to his adaptability and charisma. As he continues to explore his relationship with Georgia on Stranded on Honeymoon Island, viewers remain captivated by his multifaceted personality and the unfolding drama.
To follow Chad and Georgia’s evolving romance, catch Stranded on Honeymoon Island on Tuesday, July 22, on 7 and 7plus.
