Gethin Jones, a renowned BBC presenter and former host of popular shows like Blue Peter and The One Show, recently found himself unexpectedly banned from the dating app Hinge. This incident arose after 300 women reported his profile, suspecting it was a catfish attempt. Despite his real identity, Hinge's automated systems flagged and removed his account for allegedly violating the platform's code of conduct. Jones discussed the embarrassing experience on the podcast Restless Natives, where he humorously recounted the ordeal.
Jones, who once graced the dance floor as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, has been a familiar face on British television. He is currently hosting Morning Live, adding to his extensive list of presenting credits. His personal life also caught public attention when he dated Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins after meeting her on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007. The couple parted ways in 2011.
The incident with Hinge highlights the challenges of online dating for public figures. Jones explained how he was "kicked off" the platform twice, raising questions about the verification processes for celebrities using such services. During his podcast appearance, he humorously shared the awkwardness of appealing his ban.
"The moment when I have to write to Hinge, 'Dear Hinge' on a Thursday night, on your own, writing to an online dating app. 'Hi it's Gethin here, 46. I just want to get my money back because it's not really working for me,' eating some cereal because I hadn't got some food in." – Gethin Jones
Hinge, known for its stringent policies, has stated its seriousness regarding policy violations.
"We take violations of our policies very seriously," – Hinge
The app's website mentions that accounts may be banned if "activity associated with your account that violated our Terms of Service" is detected.
"We've detected activity associated with your account that violated our Terms of Service" – Hinge
Jones admitted he should have taken measures to verify his account to avoid such misunderstandings.
"I should know better to not verify my account," – Gethin Jones
The podcast hosts suggested that Jones consider Raya, an exclusive dating app designed for celebrities. Unlike regular dating platforms, Raya requires users to submit an application to a selection committee before gaining access, potentially providing a safer space for high-profile individuals.
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