Well, this won't be at all embarrassing for his ex-partner or a future source of torment for his kids.

Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson has signed up to star in The Bachelor, the "new" UK version of the US show, in which women compete against each other for his affections...The show, which will air later this year (I'll make an assumption at this point and say on Channel 5 or Sky Living), will see 25 women pitted against each other in a battle to win over the 29-year-old.

Channel 5 (figures) said viewers should 'expect flirting, bitching and heartfelt emotion' as the contestants compete to win his affections. Charlotte Church's ex said he was looking forward to going on some 'incredible dates' - "I'm so excited to have been cast as The Bachelor as I really feel the time is right for me to find a girl to hopefully spend the rest of my life with (unlike the mother of your children which you proposed to last year). I've always been dedicated to my rugby (and appearing on reality TV shows such as this and Strictly Come Dancing) and continue to train hard but as the season draws to an end I can focus on meeting the right girl"... in the most uncontrived and natural way.

According to BBC News (yep, even BBC News reports on this skitter) Henson added: "It can be hard in my situation to meet women and The Bachelor will give me the unique opportunity to go on some incredible dates and spend quality time getting to know amazing women from all over the UK"... who don't just want to be on telly.

Among the contestants taking part in the show are a web developer, models and - of course - twins. In the show, participants will be whittled down through a number of group dates and one-to-one meetings as Gavin chooses his ideal partner. All the contestants are set to live together in a villa in southern Europe with the rugby ace based in a nearby bachelor pad.