PADDY James has become the most popular backpacker in Australia after his mate ditched him just weeks before they started a trip along the east coast.
Describing himself as a “shit friend”, Robert Keane, 27, from Ireland, had to back out of the trip, so he posted a status on the Australian Backpackers Facebook page asking if anyone would be willing to take his place, reports The Sun.
He helpfully accompanied a link to his friend’s Facebook page, which had several photos of his impressively toned body in various states of undress.
Within a few hours, Paddy, 23, who also shares pictures of his travels on Instagram, had been inundated with offers from female admirers all keen to spend several weeks alone with him.
One woman was so impressed by what she saw that she even offered her hand in marriage.
One Facebook user called Kaisa Kadak, said: “I wanna trip with him!” to which another called Jade Lagestee replied: “I think all the girls do!”
Another called Francesca Savina added: “I wanna marry him.”
Paddy, who has since had hundreds of friend requests and private messages from admirers, said: “Rob told me it would be a good idea to post looking for friends but I was scared I wouldn’t get any replies.
“When I woke the next day I couldn’t believe the reaction it had.”
He added: “My mates didn’t believe me when I told them, they have all had a bit of banter about it.
“I’ve had lots of offers but remarkably no one is leaving on the same day as me.
“I might be able to meet up with some people along the way though, which will be really great.”
This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished with permission.