Stars Turning to God: Love Island’s Matilda Draper and TOWIE’s Roman Hackett Baptized

Love Island’s Matilda Draper and her TOWIE boyfriend Roman Hackett became the latest celebrities to open up about their faith and were baptised this month.

The Love Islander, 25, and the TOWIE star, 23, who have been dating since December last year, shared a video from their religious ceremony where they were joined by their closest friends and family.

Sitting on a stage, wearing matching ‘born for more’ T-shirts, Matilda revealed she had been suffering with ‘social anxiety’, which was affecting her life before she ‘put her trust in Jesus’. 

Stars including Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, Bear Grylls and Scarlett Moffatt are among the celebrities who have been open about their faith in the past.

While some celebs grew up with religion, other stars have turned to God in their later life after deciding to turn back on their partying or regretful ways.

After Matilda and Roman shared their baptism online, we look at all the other reality favourites who have sought religion.

Matilda Draper and Roman Hackett

Reality stars Matilda and Roman turned to God last month as they shared a video of their joint baptism. 

She said: ‘When everything felt stuck or hopeless God showed up, a few years ago I had social anxiety which affected my relationships with friends and family, my job and affected the way I lived in general. 

‘I had to stop relying on myself and put my trust in Jesus and that’s when everything changed because of him I wake up each day feeling more positive, confident, rounded and more grateful and more hopeful. 

‘The more challenges I face I know God is a constant. Here today to tell him I will follow him wholeheartedly’.

Following her speech, Matilda kissed Roman before a second clip showed the pair standing in a bath of water being baptised individually.

Following the baptism, the pair looked happier than ever as they hugged celebrating their religion.  

She penned: ‘The most special day of my life & a moment we’ll cherish forever. Getting baptized together, surrounded by both of our families felt like the most beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness. 

‘So thankful to be walking in faith and love with my best friend by my side. Can’t wait for this journey taking my next step on my walk with Christ ✨ Glory to God always!!

‘Philippians 4:7 ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

East 17’s Terry Coldwell

Terry Coldwell had his head dunked under water for several seconds by former henchman to the Kray twins, ex-gangster Chris Lambrianou, during his baptism in June.

The scene saw 50-year-old Terry become one of seven born-again Christians immersed in a baptism pool at the River Church in London’s East End as a public declaration of faith.

He told MailOnline afterwards: ‘I’ve just been baptised and I feel absolutely amazing. The service has been phenomenal today.

‘I just feel great. I feel it was a long time coming and I’m really glad I did it.’

Terry rose to stardom alongside East 17 band members Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey and John Hendy in the 1990s.

The band has sold over 18 million albums worldwide and notched up a Christmas number one in 1994 with Stay Another Day.

East 17 have undergone multiple lineup changes over the years with Terry remaining the only constant member, now performing alongside Joe Livermore, and former Artful Dodger collaborator Robbie Craig.

Adam Peaty

Olympic swimmer Adam, who is engaged to fiancé Holly Ramsay, previously revealed that religion had saved him from alcoholism, depression and the separation from the mother of his son, Eirianedd Munro. 

It helped get him back in the pool after taking a break from the sport. He competed in the Paris Olympics this year and added a silver medal to his trophy cabinet.

Adam, 30, who was born in Staffordshire, was raised Catholic and was always partially spiritual but in recent years he joined an Evangelical Church, where he attends almost every Sunday.

He now describes himself as ‘a religious man’ and told the The Times: ‘I’d rather have my faith and my relationship with Jesus and come second than have a gold.’ 

Adam now prays every day without fail and has inked a cross onto his torso in the latest in his collection of large tattoos. 

Adam revealed he had popped the question to Gordon Ramsay’s 25-year-old daughter Holly last year.

In an Instagram post, the Olympic swimmer praised his fiancée for coming to church with him and joining ‘the incredible community we have there without a question’. 

He also quoted a passage from Matthew 19:6: ‘So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’

Holly Ramsay also posted her own sweet message on Instagram and said she was ‘marrying her best friend’ and that she ‘cannot wait’ to be his wife. 

The influencer also posted her own quote from the Bible and wrote: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13’.

Bear Grylls

Bear is also another celebrity who has never shied away from his Christian faith and was also involved in Russell Brand’s baptism. 

He is one of Britain’s most prominent Christians and has appeared in marketing material for the Alpha course, an evangelical introduction to Christianity that is said to have recruited 29million to the faith. 

The 50-year-old adventurer wrote in his 2004 book, Facing the Frozen Ocean: ‘You can’t keep God out. He’s all around us, if we’re just still enough to listen.’ 

Grylls, who is Chief Scout and counts the Prince and Princess of Wales among his friends, took part in the baptism of Brand in the Thames in May, according to the Mail’s Richard Eden.

Grylls said: ‘Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal, but it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above.

‘Friendships when we go through tough times are worth so much.’

Dermot O’Leary

This Morning presenter Dermot, from Colchester, is another celebrity who makes time to pray every night.

The TV icon told The Times that after he puts his four-year-old son Kasper to bed and finishes his errands, he ‘makes time for a little prayer’ and ‘has a word with the man upstairs’.

He told the newspaper: ‘Faith has always been a way of bringing people together in the Irish immigrant community. 

‘I remember all of us heading up to Colchester for Mass when I was a kid, meeting up with friends and family, then loads of us congregating at some pub for a Sunday carvery. 

‘Faith is part of my everyday life and it’s a wonderful feeling – a lovely reminder of my homeland.’

Sacha Jones

MAFS UK star, who appeared on the show last year, revealed turning to God helped her ‘survive’ 2024.

She wrote on social media on January 1: ‘How I survived 2024. Glory to God! 

‘I would not have any of these wonderful things in my life if it wasn’t his will 2024 was hard, but I am so lucky for the strength, blessings and presence I feel from the Lord. Thank you’.

Sacha was left heartbroken after husband Ross McCarthy dumped her within days of the series ending. 

Despite the former Miss Birmingham uprooting her life by moving from her hometown Walsall to Manchester in commitment to her marriage, Ross abruptly ended the relationship with little explanation. 

After getting baptised in October 2024, Sacha shared pictures alongside the caption: ‘My baptism. This year has been a special one as my journey with God has changed my life! 

‘Thank you to my family and friends that came to show love and support, no matter what their beliefs. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by the best people.’

Katie Salmon

Katie soared to fame after appearing on series two of Love island in 2016, where she made history by pairing up with the late Sophie Gradon in the show’s first same-sex couple.

She continued to hit the headlines afterwards for her antics, which included earning herself a ‘lifetime ban’ from Cheltenham Festival after she flashed her breasts at punters; selling X-rated content on OnlyFans; and being questioned by police after a fight that saw her rushed to hospital.

In the past few years, Katie battled post-natal depression following the birth of daughter Thaiga, two, grieved the death of her ex-fiancé Harry and was found guilty of assault in July. 

Katie appeared at Northampton Crown Court on July 11 where she was charged with assault on Jyssica Memory. 

She announced Harry passed away in December 2024 and paid tribute after taking the time to ‘re align, grieve and be present’ with her toddler over the festive period.

Katie, who is now in a relationship with businessman boyfriend Joe Rossi, 39, split from Harry just six months after the birth of their first child, in September 2022. 

After reaching ‘breaking point’, Katie turned to religion and was baptised in 2023.

Alongside a series of racy snaps and images from her baptism, Katie – who has cleared her grid of raunchy images – shared: ‘3 months since I was baptised… ✨

‘From being at breaking point in my life to finding hope and peace in the storm I won’t stop speaking his name or what he’s done with my life. 

‘God is my saviour and in a world that’s dark, covered with evil people and pain I want every soul to know theirs a way out, Wether you understand it or not. Theirs hope and glory in his name. 

‘I want to make clear this isn’t a post or trend to say how God stopped me dressing provocatively, exposing my body online or covering my face in makeup. 

‘He didn’t stop me doing anything, he simply loved me just for who I am and made me look at myself the way he looks at me. 

‘I found a relationship with the Lord himself not a religion but a deeper meaningful relationship. I want to honour him, his word and his people. 

Everything has changed inside and around me so my posts may have changed. My look, my bank balance and my clothing BUT I am more me than ever before. 

‘Even on days I don’t know what’s coming or why things are happening in this world, I will praise you for you never leave me and always love me even when am wrong. Thank you Jesus ❤️ [sic]’ 

Glyn Wise

Glyn was just 18-years old when he appeared on the seventh series of Big Brother – then a hugely popular Channel 4 flagship – in 2006.

While he has been a Christian since birth, Glyn, now 37, confessed that he was swept up by London’s hectic party scene as he adjusted to life in the public eye after finishing runner-up to winner Pete Bennett.

He struggled to adapt to his newfound celebrity status and admits his devout attachment to Christianity was all but forgotten as he attended non-stop red carpet events, exclusive parties and premieres.

He previously told MailOnline: ‘I was invited to all sorts of parties and movie premieres – but deep down I felt lonely. During this period I left my faith behind. I had lost the real me in the middle of the glitz and glamour of fame. I needed to get back on track.

‘I had become someone I hardly recognised, but yet everyone else felt as though they knew me.’

Last year, he revealed his plans to devote himself to God and announced he is training to be a priest in north London. 

After The spread of Covid resulted in Glyn returning to the United Kingdom, his responsibilities in China soon led him to a new role as a Pastoral Assistant at St. Michael’s Church in Camden.

He officially announced he had been ordained to become a deacon in June.

The former TV star posted a picture dressed in a black shirt and clerical collar to his 15,000 followers, announcing that he had officially been ordained.

He penned: ‘This is Rev Glyn – I’m coming to get you!

‘Day 1 as an official Rev! Hard work, praying & studying has paid off – “With God all things are possible” Math 19: 26. Looking forward to follow in the footsteps of the desciples in the book of Acts, spreading the good word across the nations!’

Faith Mullen

Faith, 25, was already a Christian when she signed up for Geordie Shore and viewers were keen to see how she navigated her beliefs on the show – which was accused of promoting heavy drinking and bed hopping. 

She was 19 when she appeared on series 18 of Geordie Shore and told MailOnline at  the time: ‘My religion fits in perfectly with Geordie Shore. Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine. He didn’t say no to partying. The other Geordies were very good about it.’

However, Faith’s time on the show was short lived and she was axed a year later for being involved in an ‘altercation’ when she was out drinking in Newcastle.

She revealed that she lost her way and struggled with drinking, describing her relationship with God as ‘non-existent’. 

Faith explained this year that she decided to go sober and embrace her Christianity again, telling her Instagram followers: ’12 months ago today I woke up and knew if I didn’t change and get help that day I probably wasn’t going to be around much longer. 

‘After years of struggling with the amount I was drinking, ruining relationships, friendships, not able to hold down jobs, having my loved ones worried sick, my mental health was in such a dark place I’d be regularly self harming.

‘After therapy, never mind my none existent relationship with God, after years of making excuses, even at my worst I don’t think many knew how bad it really got.’

She continued: ‘Even after I had went all the way to the Dominican, been giving this once in a lifetime opportunity by the BBC to change my life, I came home and went straight back to my old ways, not even 48 hours stepping off the flight home I found myself stumbling home after another session. 

‘Once again, waking up, saying things had to change, yet doing it over and over for weeks to come. Until finally I woke up after Loosefest, after saying I wasn’t going to drink, after blacking out again. 

‘Knowing I’d finally pushed everyone away. I put my ego aside and went that night and got help from people who had been through the same thing, I walked into an AA meeting, still off my face, but was welcomed by some lovely people. 

‘After a few weeks sober, and multiple meetings all over the north east God got me back into the church I’d grew up in, I learnt soon after that my church community was going to work better for me personally, but I do still following the teachings of the AA program to this day. 

‘The only way I could fight the demon drink was in my Lords house. I can’t believe how much he has heeled me in a year, I am so secure in who I am in him. 

‘I am finally the daughter my mam knew I could be, after a decade of prayer I’ve finally came out the other side. Satan has a hold on me no more. 

I’m able to live back home with family, not just hold down a full time job but thrive in it, I don’t have a lot of friendships but the ones I do are healthy and with people who only want the best for me. 

‘365 days since I last abused alcohol or took illegal substances, I am standing here today as a testament to what God can do.’

Scarlett Moffatt

Scarlett, 34, quickly became TV’s golden girl when she appeared with her family on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

Her down-to-earth attitude and quick wit landed her a place in the I’m A Celebrity camp and she was crowned Queen Of The Jungle after beating Joel Dommett. 

In 2022, Scarlett revealed she turned to Christianity after undertaking ‘thought-provoking’ spiritual pilgrimage.

The former Gogglebox star explored her beliefs in BBC2’s Pilgrimage: The Road to the Scottish Isles where she travelled across Ireland and Scotland meeting monks and priests along with a host of other stars. 

During the chat with Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway on GMB, Scarlett told how she was ‘getting used to’ now being a Christian after ‘defending’ her beliefs on the show.

She explained how she never thought about religion much growing up but during her journey she took the time to delve into what it all means. 

She said on the show: ‘I was travelling for 15 long days but it did feel like a year. My grandad was always really religious and I would do a prayer when I was in a sad place but I didn’t really know what my religion was and I wanted to find out what religion means to me. 

‘It was really thought provoking. I am normally on my phone or chatting with my friends but I have taken the time to think now. 

‘Now I would say that I am a Christian. I am now still getting used to it. We went to live with some monks and we chatted about our beliefs and I defending my religion and beliefs and then I thought that it must mean a lot to me.’