JUST A TEENAGER when he joined The Wanted, Nathan Sykes is enjoying adulthood. “I had the reputation of being the quieter one but that was mostly because I couldn’t go out clubbing,” says the 23-year-old singer. “They were all going out and I couldn’t even get into a club, or if I did, I was thrown out by security about five minutes later.” Having transformed from cute teen — he was just 16 when he started his boyband career — to handsome adult, the not-so-quiet-anymore star with the fantastic voice, as showcased on new single Give It Up, is making up for lost time. “I’m not behaving like an absolute nutter but I’m not at home in bed, reading a book by 8pm,” he laughs. “I’m pretty much doing what most 23 year olds do, with the bonus of getting to sing and travel the world.”
His gay fanbase dates back to when The Wanted did G-A-Y and Pride. “And it’s changed as I’ve grown up. The messages and comments — not only from gay fans but also from mums — are getting saucier. Originally it was ‘Don’t go near him, he’s only 16,’ but it’s OK now that I’m in my 20s.”