Adam Wilcox interviews Tanya Tate on www.xxxwasteland.wordpress.com – U.K.-born adult superstar Tanya Tate kindly granted XXX Wasteland a recent interview to discuss her blockbuster year in 2010, the Tanya Tate Sex Tour of Ireland reality series on Television X, the contest she is currently hosting for aspiring porn stars, and more.
(Special thanks to Alexander Raymond of Star Factory PR for arranging the interview. Photo credit courtesy of Michael Alexander for SugarBearMedia.com).
Q: First off, congratulations on both your recent AVN nomination and U.K.A.P. Award. How does it feel to have collected so many prestigious industry honors in one calendar year?
A: It has been amazing to be awarded four awards and even more nominations this year. I am really happy to have been nominated for Best MILF/Cougar Performer of the Year at AVN as well as XBIZ. The other nominees in this category have been in the industry for more years and are well established performers. To know I am recognized alongside these top performers makes me feel honored.
Q: You received the U.K.A.P. Award for Best Reality Series or Scene due to the success of your Television X series Tanya Tate’s Sex Tour of Ireland. Can you tell us about the program and how the idea was developed?
A: I was interviewed by a magazine in Dublin, Ireland. I spoke about looking for guys from Ireland to become the next Irish porn star. The press took the story to mainstream newspapers and radio stations. I was then inundated by Irish guys wanting to try out. I spoke to Television X, they gave me a camera crew so I could go around Ireland meeting the guys. Hence, the Tanya Tate Sex Tour of Ireland took place.
Q: Let’s go back to the beginning. How did you initially become interested – and later involved – in the adult industry?
A: In 2008 I was working in an office doing admin work. I was really bored and looking for some excitement in my life. I was hanging out with a guy. I watched an adult movie with him. As I was watching I thought, “Yes I could do that.” So I did some research and thought seriously about making the move. It was a big decision. I knew that once I signed the model release forms there would be no turning back. I had some professional pictures taken and I sent a very nice email with the pictures to some of the UK companies. They liked me and asked me to come to London and shoot for them.
After making a name for yourself on the British XXX scene, you began to split your time between U.K. and American projects. As a performer, do you prefer one over the other and do you feel working in two countries gives you a unique perspective on the business as opposed to those who only perform domestically?
I am now living in Los Angeles – it has much better weather than England (Laughs). There are many more production companies based in the US, so there is more opportunity for me in LA as a performer. Having made my name as a performer in UK and Ireland, it is also good that I can also go back to London and shoot for the UK companies again there. Being able to perform in both places enables me to reach out to more fans.
Q: You are currently running a contest of sorts titled “Tanya Tate Casting Couch”, where selected aspiring porn stars will receive the opportunity to work with you on camera. Can you tell us about this project?
A: Guys and girls can apply to come onto my Tanya Tate Casting Couch. This is a chance for people to try out to become a porn star. If selected they are invited to come to meet me at a location and test their skills with me on camera. If they make a good first performance, then I can introduce them to directors. I have done my casting couch in London, and of course the Sex Tour of Ireland. I am looking to expand to offer people in other places of the UK, including Scotland. I will be bringing my casting couch to LA. People can apply by visiting my blog www.tanyatate.com/blog/?p=1161.
Q: How would you describe yourself as both a person and performer?
A: I am a friendly, down-to-Earth girl who loves my job. I hope this shows in my energy and enjoyment during my scenes.
Q: Are there any long-term goals you still wish to achieve in the adult industry?
A: I want to build my Tanya Tate brand and be able to have a successful website where I can reach out to my fans and provide them with unique Tanya Tate content. I would love to win an AVN award. I love being in the industry, so long term I would want to still be working in adult entertainment on the other side of the camera.
Q: Let’s learn a little bit about Tanya Tate, the person. Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Liverpool, UK. When I was a kid I definitely wasn’t shy. My mum used to say if she couldn’t find where I was she’d just open the door and listen for my voice because I was always the loudest. I was always on my bike or my roller skates. I enjoyed school and was quite a bright kid, but I was always the one who got in trouble for talking in class. I always used to get my work done still – I could multitask. I’ve always been quite outgoing, the one to do all the daring stuff.
Q: What are some of your interests and hobbies?
A: When I am not making movies or working on my computer I like to do girlie stuff. I like to look after myself, get my hair and nails done, have a facial, get pampered. I like to work out at the gym try to keep my body looking good for the camera. I also like to go shopping for shoes, dresses, purses and lingerie. I love sexy lingerie. Since I’ve been in LA I have been to some of the California tourist spots. I love going to theme parks – Universal Studios and Disneyland. I like dressing up as superheroes and have been to some of the comic conventions, like San Diego Comic Con. I like going to the theatre. I have been to many productions in London and now in Hollywood, my favorite all-time show is Phantom Of The Opera.
Q: Who are some of your heroes or people that you admire?
A: I admire Simon Cowell, as much as he is obnoxious, he provides opportunities for regular people who are talented to reach a dream.
Q: Are there any upcoming Tanya Tate-related projects that you would like to make known?
A: I am working on my members website ready for the launch. This will have hot and exciting Tanya Tate action, some action the fans will not have seen anywhere else. The new website will be launched on www.TanyaTate.com.
Q: In closing, is there anything you wish to say to fans and readers?
A: I want to thank my fans for following me and for voting for me. I hope you will continue to enjoy the movies and my website coming up. I am going to be bringing you more hot Tanya Tate action so keep watching. Don’t forget you can follow me on www.Twitter.com/TanyaTate and on my blog www.TanyaTate.com/blog.