Soldier First Dates star appears in court accused of beating up his girlfriend and smashing her phone

AN Army sergeant who was cast on First Dates has appeared in court accused of assaulting his partner. Paul Chamberlain, 44, is alleged to have caused actual bodily harm to Chloe Smith during an argument and to have smashed her phone. First Dates star Paul Chamberlain outside court where he is accused of assaulting his partner Credit: Darren Fletcher Chamberlain was seen changing his joggers outside court after the hearing Credit: Darren Fletcher Croydon magistrates’ court heard they had been seeing each other casually for two months before the incident in Bromley, South East London, on Saturday night. Chamberlain indicated a not guilty plea to ABH and criminal damage yesterday. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! But Samantha Gilmour, defending, called him a “very precious member of Army personnel”. She added: “This gentleman has served successfully and without blemish for King and country for over 25 years.” Chamberlain appeared on Channel 4’s First Dates in May, and went on a date with former Tymes 4 singer Natalie Edwards Credit: Channel 4 The accused on his date with Natalie Credit: Channel 4 District Judge Polly Gledhill granted bail to Chamberlain, banning him from contacting Ms Smith or from going anywhere inside the M25. He will appear at Croydon crown court on October 19. Mr Chamberlain was seen changing his joggers outside court after the hearing. He declined to say why when approached by The Sun, saying only: “I can’t speak to you mate, I’m in the Army.” Most read in TV Chamberlain appeared on Channel 4’s First Dates in May, and went on a date with former Tymes 4 singer Natalie Edwards, who is not involved with the case. Serving squaddie Chamberlain was portrayed as a hunky catch by the show. Host Fred Sirieix joked that Chamberlain looked like a Viking but was “just missing an axe”.