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BENJAMIN CLARK

Age: 27
Hometown: Chesterfield, England; resides in Monroe, NC

Born and raised in England, Benjamin Clark's sheer charm is sure to win the hearts of the ladies and keep the men on their toes. His strategy to charm potential mates begins with a first date that involves treating them to delicious food and cold beer. The former pro soccer player currently serves as a soccer coach at his alma mater, Wingate University, and as director of coaching at Mecklenburg Union Futbol Club. In addition, he enjoys playing cricket, going to the gym and hanging out with his mates.

He says that people either love him or hate him. Regardless, finding true love is his goal in life as well as on the show.

Benjamin Clark

Whom did you feel most connected to during the competition?
Jen and I got along well at the start, but we were just mates! Once Michelle turned up, it was a whole new experience for me!

Ultimately, are you happy the additional contestants were brought in to mix it up?
The fellas, I was fuming when they turned up. Apart from a couple of them, they were all donuts. They were all strutting around and trying to claim any girl they thought they had a chance with. But, I was ecstatic when the second group of girls turned up. The first girls got all complacent and they felt they had everything coming to them. It was a little stale; I can speak for all the fellas and say the new girls were well needed.

What behavior surprised you the most from the other contestants?
I'm still shocked about Ali's decision to pick me; that whole scenario didn't make sense! Some people were also very aware of the cameras; they weren't very genuine or natural.

What was your favorite challenge and why?
I enjoyed them all, except the guinea foul adventure on the second episode. I now have a deep hatred for those little bleeders.

Was there anything off-screen that you feel the audience missed out on?
The mosquitos were on steroids. They attacked everyone! And don't eat salad that's been washed in Dominican water - it destroys your insides and you'll be on the toilet for half of the day. The blokes that create and conjure up the adventures are absolute legends; they make Bear Grylls look like a novice! And the camera men that followed us around the jungle are all Marine-style secret service type Rambo men!! All the crew was hardcore.

Any fun anecdotes or run-ins with nature you'd like to share?
The horses we rode on during the seventh episode were WILD! Literally!!!! My horse took off sprinting with the other horses; they were cavorting together through the jungle in a pack. I couldn't pull him back or slow him down; he just kept rearing his head and going faster. I contemplated jumping off twice - but didn't fancy dying by jumping into palm trees and barb wire.

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
I learned that when I get stressed, my temper is worse than I thought it was. I learned I'm not as good at swimming as I thought I was - in fact I'm rubbish! I learned I don't know how to read maps or compasses well. And I hate guinea fouls with a passion!

Why did you decide to take part in this show?
I had a long-term girlfriend that ended badly, and after that, I was having a nightmare finding a girl. They were all crackers, and everything was just a hassle and full of drama.

Would you call yourself an outdoorsy person? Why or why not?
I'm sporty and active, but not outdoorsy, I can't fish, and I've slept in a tent once - and that was when I was eight years old camping in my back garden. Even then, I abandoned the tent and went inside to my bed because I couldn't sleep.

What are you afraid of?
Spiders and heights!!!!

What surprised you most about being in the jungle?
I didn't drown or get lost!

What was the hardest thing for you to live without? What did you miss the most?
I missed my mates and family. And not being able to see the premier league (soccer), also listening to my music as we weren't allowed any iPods, etc.

What would other people say are your best qualities?
Funny, down to earth, brutally honest!

Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
I took a girl out ten pin bowling - that was shocking! We played twice and she destroyed me twice. I wasn't even trying to let her win. It was demoralizing, and I had to wear those stupid clown shoes too.

What qualities do you find to be most important in your partner?
Sense of humor, not high maintenance, not stuck up, kind and loyal.

Describe your ideal date.
A nice Indian meal, some good wine! And some quality banter.

Benjamin Clark

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Benjamin Clark

Meet Other Contestants

Ali Leitza
Summer Mack
Shauna Dillard
Yanina Beccaria
Tara Locke
Cina Luks
Jenny Blatt
Jason Holmes
Benjamin Clark
Jesse Wilson
Kenneth Barrington
Christian Sekleck
Jason Ewell
Leo Borriello
Franky Arriola
Mike Sweet
Ryan Smith
Darwin Zook
Aaron Chase
Quaison 'Q' Dodd
Tim Parrish
Vanessa Ramirez
Natalie Korzon
Michelle Sacco
Melissa Alatorre
Lindsay Furman
Jenna Gillund