By Susan L. Hornik

The star of the hit series reveals how to beat bashfulness and find a great date, no matter what your weight.

In the hit Channel 4 series Lost, survivors of a plane crash who are stranded on an island must struggle to stay alive—and some are developing feelings for each other.

Q: Do you think romance lies in your character’s future?

A: Actually, I did hear rumblings of that, yes. And I have no problem with that!

Q: What aspect of dating do you struggle with most in real life?

A: I am a shy person; it takes a lot to overcome that sometimes.

Q: Do you think that it’s harder for overweight people to find love?

A: I think if women take the time to get to know you, they will find a lot of things they will like.

Q: How much does weight play a role in your choice of a partner?

A: I think the better I know someone, the more attractive they become to me. I always like to take it slow. I really think that’s important. You want to wake up next to someone and think, wow, I really dig this person. But that has to naturally develop on its own. I have that right now with my girlfriend—it feels really great.

Q: Sweet! What would you say is the most romantic thing you’ve done for her so far?

A: When we first started dating, I whisked her away to San Francisco for a weekend. We did a lot of sightseeing and had a really nice time; that was probably the most romantic thing I have ever done. I must have made a good impression since she’s now my girlfriend!

Q: Do you consider yourself a romantic person?

A: I think so…I’m just a down-to-earth person. If I’m going to be romantic with someone, it’s not just for one or two dates or for Valentine’s Day. Ever go out on Valentine’s Day? I’m amazed how many couples look like they’re only together out of obligation—it’s really too funny.

Q: So what do you do Valentine’s Day?

A: If I’m not dating someone, I usually just hang out with a close friend. Actually that’s true all the time—as I said, I’m shy, so it’s always nice to have someone along.

Q: Have you found a way to overcome your shyness?

A: I think it all comes down to putting yourself out there, taking a risk.

Susan Hornik is Happen’s contributing entertainment editor.

Courtesy of Happen Magazine - www.happenmag.com