Matthew Whelan, known across the UK as Britain's most tattooed man, has revealed the extraordinary challenges he faces in his personal life due to his complete body coverage of ink. The 38-year-old from St Helens has undergone over 1,000 hours of tattooing, leaving just 2% of his body untouched.
The Dating Dilemma
"Dating is impossible," Matthew confesses. "I've been single for eight years because women won't even consider going on a date with me. They see the tattoos and immediately make assumptions about who I am as a person."
Despite his unconventional appearance, Matthew describes himself as a "normal guy" who enjoys quiet nights in and dreams of finding love and starting a family.
Public Perception and Daily Reactions
Walking down the street becomes a daily spectacle for Matthew. "People stare, point, and make comments constantly," he shares. "Some are curious and ask questions, while others are openly hostile. I've learned to develop a thick skin."
Children's reactions are particularly memorable. "Kids will openly ask their parents why I look like this, or if I'm a monster. It can be heartbreaking, but I understand they're just curious."
The Transformation Journey
Matthew's tattoo journey began at age 15 and has cost approximately £25,000 to date. His body tells a story through ink, featuring everything from traditional designs to more personal artwork.
"People don't realise that beneath all this ink, I'm just a regular person with feelings," Matthew explains. "I have a job, pay my bills, and want the same things everyone else does - connection and acceptance."
Despite the challenges, Matthew says he doesn't regret his transformation but wishes society would look beyond appearances to see the person within.
