Paul Ryder is the man of the moment. So we were delighted that he could take some time to catch up with VIP Magazine during his busy schedule.
Of course, we had to ask him all about his “re-engagement” and Paul divulged all the sweet details.
Paul popped the question to his partner, Eddie McCann back in November. But Eddie got down on one knee last week during a trip to Cork.
“I got re-engaged down in the same hotel in Cork where I proposed to my partner in November. At the time I didn’t buy a ring for me. He said that if we ever got engaged that he wanted to buy the ring but of course when we went to get the ring it was sold out,” he explains.
“So it had been months and months waiting for the ring. He was sourcing it and he told me it could be the end of the year. When we got down to Cork, I knew he was up to something and suddenly he left the room.
“He asked me to meet him in the room where we got engaged the first time and there he was on one knee.”
Obviously, it was the most perfect “re-engagement” and Paul is deep into his wedding plans. The couple will get married in the same hotel where they got engaged (both times) in Cork.
However, he promises that he’s not pulling his hair out over the wedding day.
“I’m going to play it pretty chill. I won’t be a bridezilla. I don’t want it to be a ‘wedding’ wedding. I want it to be a really gorgeous intimate dinner with some friends and family with some entertainment. I don’t want anyone to feel stressed. I want everyone to just enjoy themselves.”
Of course, Paul is a busy man. He has been a part of the presenting team on Ireland AM and which he calls a “blessing”.
“Being able to sit in front of the nation for the last few months has been a blessing,” he gushes.
“I’m a fan of Ireland AM and I have been since I was a child. I’ve worked with Alan Hughes for years doing panto. But being able to sit in that chair alongside Simon and Elaine who are iconic staples of Irish television, I’m so blessed.
“I’m very thankful for how the year has gone. You never know when it’s going to end, so you grasp every opportunity. Doing Pride for Ireland AM was a massive career highlight. Getting to do national television from a Pride parade has never really been done before. I’m blessed. A new audience? I’m all for it!”
He is also set to host Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show later this summer alongside Laura Woods as a Very ambassador, joking they’re like the “Michelle Visage and RuPaul” of the day.
“Laura has been hosting the event for years by herself, but I’m going to hop in and give her a dig out. I’m so happy to be involved. I am a big follower of fashion and lady’s fashion. I dress up as a sort of woman for a living!
“I am so excited to see the glamour on the runway, not the catwalk or podium, it’s the runway. Very is involved, they’ve just moved from Littlewoods to Very so that’s really exciting.”
Paul couldn’t hide his excitement as we chatted over Zoom about the big change for this year’s The Very Best Dressed Award.
“For the first time ever the Best Dressed award will be opened to everyone, no matter your gender or age. It will be open to everyone and that’s a big thing for me. To be part of something so iconic!” he enthuses.
As for his future plans, Paul remains coy! And it just proves that he has officially made it as he teases an upcoming project.
“I have one thing coming up that I can’t talk about but all will be revealed very, very soon. It was an interesting challenge, it’s a TV project. I’m very excited for the nation to see it, it’s going to be very soon!”
Very, formerly Littlewoods, is the official sponsor of Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show this year and Very Ambassador Paul will be a co-host/presenter on the day. The Very Best Dressed award takes place on 18th of August in the RDS.
