He may be one of the most popular couch critics on Gogglebox Australia.
But Tim Lai has revealed he barely gets recognised in public – unless he’s with his outspoken sister, Leanne.
He told Who magazine on Thursday: ‘I never get recognised when I’m on my own but I think that’s because I genuinely think I have the most generic Asian man face.’
Under the radar: Tim Lai, 43, told told Who magazine on Thursday: ‘I never get recognised when I’m on my own but I think that’s because I genuinely think I have the most generic Asian man face’
The LGBTQI+ charity worker, 43, added: ‘I love getting spotted when I’m with Leanne though. I think we’ve perfected our selfie faces now.’
He also spoke about his age-defying appearance, after Gogglebox fans expressed disbelief last year that he was in his early forties.
‘I think it’s just good family genes,’ said Tim, who joined the cast of Gogglebox with sister Leanne, 31, years ago.
‘When my mum found out that people were surprised by my age, she was like, “Are you joking? They should just come see me!” Mum, who is Leanne and I on steroids, is in her sixties but she looks 40.’
Good genes! He also spoke about his age-defying appearance, after Gogglebox fans expressed disbelief last year that he was in his early forties. ‘I think it’s just good family genes,’ Tim told Who
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Tim admitted his youthful looks used to annoy him.
‘Growing up, and all through my twenties and even thirties, I was continually asked for proof of age. It was an absolute pain and prayed for the day people would stop asking,’ he said.
In October, Gogglebox fans were surprised to learn Tim was actually 43, as many of them had assumed he was in his twenties.
‘I saw an article this week… no way Tim is [in his] forties. No way!’ one viewer tweeted.
‘No one believes it!’ Gogglebox Australia fans were shocked to learn Tim Lai’s real age is 43
![Dumbfounded: 'I saw an article this week... no way Tim is [in his] forties. No way!' one viewer tweeted, referencing how young Tim looks](https://i0.wp.com/i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/25/23/34833114-8878447-image-a-27_1603668818370.jpg?resize=634%2C114&ssl=1)
Dumbfounded: ‘I saw an article this week… no way Tim is [in his] forties. No way!’ one viewer tweeted, referencing how young Tim looks
Tim himself has admitted he’s often mistaken for someone much younger, saying: ‘No one believes it until they see the driver’s licence!’
He joked to Daily Mail Australia that he looks young because he ‘spent many years as a computer programmer locked in dark office buildings devoid of natural sun light… No UV damage!’
Jokes aside, Tim admitted that as he ages, his focus has turned to his loved ones, who he says are essential to his day-to-day happiness.
Age is just a number! Speaking to Daily Mail on Thursday, Tim Lai, 43, revealed he is embracing himself as he ages. ‘Well, age is just a number. I’ve never really been overly worried about getting older’ he said
‘Now that I am closing in on 50 – wow, that’s a big number – I think I’ve hit the jackpot, the secret to life… The secret is family,’ he said.
‘Whether it’s your biological or chosen, finding your tribe, knowing you belong, being appreciated, feeling the love… that’s what keeps me young.’
The 13th season of Gogglebox Australia airs first on Foxtel at 7.30pm on February 17, and 8.30pm on Channel 10 the following day
Debut: Tim and his younger sister, Leanne, 31, made their debut on Gogglebox in 2019