More to Love - TV Fanatic

Luke Conley Previews More to Love

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:05:30 EST

While Jillian Harris decides between two - or possibly three - suitors tonight on The Bachelorette, Luke Conley is ready to start his journey toward a soulmate tomorrow.

The large 26-year old stars in More to Love, a dating series that focuses on an oversized man and the women that fight for his affection.

In an interview with People, Conley previews the series. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation:

On concerns over the show: I was concerned the main premise of the show was to poke fun. It seemed like everyone had to be talked into it for that same reason. But it’s legitimate. The desire of the show is for two people to make a sincere connection. It just so happens that they’re not size 2 models.

On signing on for the series: I tend to be a thrillseeker. I have an open heart to try and meet someone special, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about the experience and all the fun things I would get to do on the show. I‘m not looking to rush into [marriage]. If I met someone special, it would take time to develop that relationship and settle down.

On dating on camera: I tried to think of it as a cool guy hanging out with you on the date. But even that can be weird in an intimate moment especially [because I'm] wary of public displays of affection. It got steamy. I had to get over the fact that there are people in the room when you’re making out in a hot tub in front of all these people.

Luke Conley, More to Love Producer Preview New Dating Show

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:00:35 EST

More to Love premieres on Fox next week.

Why should you tune in to this over-sized version of The Bachelor? Because star Luke Conley is someone to cheer for, says Luke Conley.

"The Bachelor is about beautiful people living a beautiful life and hopefully finding a beautiful love,"said Conley, pictured. "This show is like a sporting event. You're rooting for someone to find love."

Added executive producer SallyAnn Salsano:

"Every girl in America feels self-conscious and uncomfortable. But these girls have lived it for so long that this is almost like a safe haven for them. Everyone was afraid to come on this show and be made fun of."

As for Conley, Salsano said he was a natural choice for the dating series.

"We all fell in love with Luke because he is so genuine. He makes the girls feel comfortable."

Will you tune in for More to Love?

More to Love: Meet the Cast!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:19:19 EST

One is a rocket scientist.

Another is a criminal defense attorney.

But there's one thing these women, along with 18 others, have in common: they're all seeking More to Love!

On July 28, the suitors below will vie for the affection of Luke Conley, the bachelor at the center of Fox's new, plus-sized dating series. Click on each photo for a larger image each contestant:

There's More to Love of Luke Conley

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:16:42 EST

Weighing over 300 pounds, Luke Conley would not typically qualify as a reality TV star.

But the former college football player is at the center of More to Love, a Bachelor-like dating competition that aims at plus-sized individuals.

Just like Jason Mesnick and the multiple Bachelors before him, Conley will choose among 20 potential suitors.

They range from from a plus-sized model to a lawyer to an actual rocket scientist. According to a Fox press release, Conley is seeking a woman that is "intelligent, passionate, down-to-earth, full-figured and comfortable in her own skin."

Luke Conley has a mission: prove that overweight people can pretend to find love on reality TV, just like skinny people!

Luke Conley: The New (Overweight) Bachelor

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:52:48 EST

Forget the sculpted abs of Jason Mesnick.

Luke Conley is bringing the girth to reality dating.

This 26-year-old former college football player is the star of Fox's More to Love, a Bachelor-esque series that focuses on plus-size individuals.

Conley is now a real estate investor, stands 6'3" tall and weighs over 300 pounds. According to a Fox press release, he's looking for a woman who is "intelligent, passionate, down-to-earth, full-figured and comfortable in her own skin."

Those 20 ladies, of course, will also be larger than the typical reality TV suitor. They have occupations that range from a plus-sized model to a lawyer to a rocket scientist.

More to Love, hosted by full-figured supermodel Emme, debuts Tuesday, July 28.

Coming to Fox: More to Love

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:13:12 EST

This season, fans of reality TV were treated to the first backstabbing Bachelor.

Are they now ready for a plus-sized Bachelor?

Fox is developing More to Love, a dating series that will follow a similar format to The Bachelor. The only difference? It will feature a larger lead man, as he attempts to woo several overweight suitors.

"This is a dating show that sends the right message about embracing and loving yourself no matter your shape or size," said Mike Fleiss, creator of The Bachelor. "When you are comfortable with your own body, you can really allow yourself to be open to the possibility of finding the right person to love."

Jason Mesnick was a picture perfect Bachelor. The same won't be said for the lead on More to Love.

The network is currently casting "eligible plus-sized men and women ready to jump into the experience of a lifetime." The show is scheduled to premiere in the fall.

"This is the first dating competition show in television history that reflects what most real single men and women look like, which makes it instantly relatable to the vast majority of people in the dating pool," said Fox reality chief Mike Darnell.