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When you tune into Season Six of the revamped World Poker Tour, you may want to prepare yourself. We here at Bluff know for a fact that regardless of who is at the final table that we will tune in just to see the smoking hot new hostess Layla Kayleigh. We were lucky enough to score a date with Layla to help you all get to know her a little better.
Bluff: First off, congratulations on the new gig! Let’s cut right to the chase: Why do you think the WPT chose you to be the new hostess of the World Poker Tour?
Layla: Well, I am gonna sound really narcissistic if I toot my horn, but for Bluff I will go ahead and do it anyway. With me, it’s what you see is what you get. I call it as I see it. It’s something that gets me into trouble from time to time. I have no filter. Whatever I think comes out of my mouth straight away. So sometimes it’s not appropriate and sometimes it’s funny. I am pretty much fearless… except, I am afraid of ghosts (laughs).
Bluff: Well, we promise no ghosts here. We know you have experience working in front of the camera on shows like The Best Damn Sports Show Period, but how different is it now that you are working in the poker world?
Layla: Oh my god, I love it! I am a very unpredictable person, and poker is just that – so unpredictable. Like this final table I just covered featured Phil Ivey, who would be considered the favorite against anyone didn’t win. Jonathan Little, the underdog, was able to win it. Working for the WPT is similar in that there is no prompter, no script. I love the WPT because I can be free and really be myself.
Bluff: You obviously have some big footsteps to follow with the likes of Shana Hiatt, Courtney Friel, and Sabina Gadecki. What sets you apart from these past hostesses?
Layla: Shame on you for asking that question (laughs). Everyone has his own preference for things. Some like blondes, some like brunettes, and some people even like loud obnoxious people like me (laughs). So I think it just depends. I am exotic, I come from a mixed background, and I have an international flair that they haven’t had before. It is the World Poker Tour; it’s an international circuit so I think that makes me a great fit!
Bluff: Tell us a bit about your own poker experience. Do you play?
Layla: Well, last year I was entered into a poker tournament as a joke, because I had never played poker or any cards at all. I grew up in a very strict household. My grandfather was a gambler, so I wasn’t really allowed to get into that sort of thing. So as a joke, The G4 entered me into a tournament. I didn’t even know what the cards were at that time. Jennifer Tilly was sweet enough to give me a brief lesson before it began, and Johnny Chan mentored me somewhat while I was at the table. I ended up making the final table, which was amazing. I also plan on attending one of the WPT poker camps, because I really want to know my stuff.
Bluff: Are there any of the professional poker players who you are looking forward to interviewing and getting to know!
Layla: Well, of course I want to get to know all of them! There are so many great poker players. I have to say though that I always like to root for the underdog. Like Jonathan Little, who won the Mirage event. I love the players who are somewhat new to the circuit and have all the passion and excitement of being here for the first time.
Bluff: We all know that the World Poker Tour is known for its fine travel destinations. Is there anywhere in particular that you are excited about traveling to?
Layla: I am really looking forward to Barcelona! Honestly though, when we travel for these things, it’s not all fun and games. We are all working very hard to put together a great product for the poker fans out there. I am also looking forward to the stop in Mississippi, because you get to meet some cool, normal people. In my industry, these actors and actresses all get so boring. It’s really nice to get to know some of the blue collar folks. I really dig that.
Bluff: Ok, here is the question all of our Bluff readers are waiting for: Do you have a boyfriend?
Layla: No, I don’t. I haven’t had sex in like seven months. You think I’m joking, but I am totally serious (laughs). I don’t really meet a lot of people. There is a homeless man who I buy dinner for every night when
I see him, so he is the only man in my life right now. His name is Earl.
Bluff: You have just made a lot of folks very happy. What are some tips for some of these young poker players who want to date you?
Layla: Well, first of all, don’t come on to me when I am working. That is something that I am not into. If I see you outside, just be yourself. I like guys who don’t try, who are real. It sounds so simple, but it’s really hard to find nowadays. It should be: “This is who I am, take it or leave it.”
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