Shengo Deane: I couldn't keep up with the Kardashians

The mystery man who was part of Kim’s life talks exclusively to Woman’s Day about her, and his new love.

As Kim Kardashian dashes across the globe in the wake of her split from husband Kris Humphries – frantically fulfilling work commitments and meeting with Kris for “closure counselling” – the reality TV queen’s Aussie ex-boyfriend has been lying low at home in Sydney. Shengo Deane, Kim’s hunky former bodyguard turned lover, who appeared on Keeping Up With The Kardashians and its spin-off Kourtney & Kim Take New York, has been reluctant to talk about his ex-girlfriend…until now.

The pair are still friends, he explains – and, after all, he has a new woman in his life, flight attendant Sally Poulos. Cuddling on the couch of their South Sydney apartment during an exclusive photoshoot for Woman’s Day, it’s clear the couple are very much in love. But the shadow of Shengo’s ex looms large. Pulling on a purple shirt for our pictures, the 31-year-old security guard confesses, “I wore this shirt on a date with Kim.” Sally, 27, blushes at the mention of his ex’s name. “That makes me feel a little funny,” she giggles.

The blush returns when it’s pointed out Sally bears a striking resemblance to the reality TV star. “He likes his curvy girls!” she says. Their personalities are similar too, Shengo adds. “They have the same heart,” he says. “They both want the same things in life. They both want a family. They both want to be with a good man.” Shengo’s relationship ended because he couldn’t keep up with the Kardashians. “They are a beautiful family and I enjoyed being part of that, but I didn’t really have a lot of work over there and I didn’t want to have to ask for $50 to go to the movies,” he explains.

His expiring US visa didn’t help matters much, either. As seen on the reality series, the couple were heartbroken when they split, but they’ve kept in touch via email. The last time they talked was just after Kim’s marriage fell apart, shortly before her recent visit to Australia. “She wanted to use me as a bodyguard, but her business manager said that security had already been arranged,” a disappointed Shengo says. “I wish we could’ve worked together, but I understand it could have been completely misconstrued.”