Calum Best, the son of football legend George Best and model Angie Best, has spoken candidly about his struggles with fame, grief, and finding love for the first time at the age of 44. In a revealing interview on BBC Sounds' 'Rylan: How to Be...', the reality star admitted that despite his reputation as a serial dater, he had never been in love until recently.
Best, who became famous overnight after moving to London in his early 20s, said the tabloid press initially built up his profile but later destroyed it. 'I went from bachelor of the year to seedy lothario,' he recalled. 'That “seedy lothario” was written up so many times that it killed me. It beat up my self-confidence.' He lost work and credibility as a result.
The death of his father in 2005, just as his fame was rising, deeply affected him. 'I had a real “screw everyone” mentality,' he said. 'It was literally shoulders shrugged, a real closed off, angry, don’t care about anybody attitude.' He felt the press were writing about an invented version of him, but the constant negative portrayal took a toll on his self-worth.
Now 44, Best revealed he has finally experienced love for the first time. 'I met a girl last year and for the first time in my 44 years, I felt, “This is what I’ve been looking for,”' he said. They spoke about having a child and a family, but the relationship ended when she moved to Los Angeles. Despite the heartbreak, he holds no resentment.
Unexpectedly, Best also found love through a stray cat he named Little One. 'This cat opened me up to more love,' he said. 'At 44, I hadn’t said “I love you” to a partner but I said it to a cat.' He credits the animal with teaching him about affection and humility.
