The early 2000s were a good time to be entering your formative years. It was a simpler time, when our days were filled with playing Dream Phone, harassing our parents for money to buy more Polly Pockets and, lest we forget, the most common (and satisfying) insult was accusing someone of having Mad Cow Disease.
Naturally, none of us were immune from cringeworthy crushes and oh boy did we have our cream of the crop to choose from in the early 2000s!
- Scott From 5ive
With a head of hair that looked as though it had been sectioned off with a tea strainer, then painstakingly freeze-dried to stay in place, Scott Robinson was the dreamboat we all lusted after. Needless to say, the second saddest day of September 2001 was when 5ive announced they were splitting up. RIP 5ive, gone but never 5gotten.
- Simon Camden
This cheeky little scamp was the only confusing factor in many of our desires to be a part of the Camden's 7th Heaven family. Would it be ok to fancy your brother? Especially with a minister for a father? The Brady Bunch allowed it, but that didn’t make it okay. Probably best to fantasise about being their neighbour instead!
- Nick Carter
Perfection existed in the noughties and it was in the shape of the "bad boy" of The Backstreet Boys, Nick. Loving him wasn't without its challenges, with the arrival of his brother Aaron bringing confusion onto the scene pretty quickly. Was it ok to fancy Nick and his little brother who admittedly was closer to your age? Absolutely. The more the merrier!
- Gordo
This curly headed and adorable voice of reason was a bit of a slow-burner for some. But with his bushy little eyebrows and unkempt hair, it was love at first sight between many of us and this scene-stealer. Very few of us avoided daydreaming about having a best friend (and eventual lover) just like him and when he confessed his love for Lizzie, you can bet your bacon he was confessing it for you too!
Kenzie From Blazin’ Squad
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There was so many in the band, it was difficult to keep track of them all. But one heartthrob stood out like an abnormally large sea monkey. With his cheeky smile, fondness for over-inflated puffa jackets and a blatant lack of interest in thuggery, he was the one to turn your So Solid Crew into a So Solid Two.
- Lucas Scott
To be fair this isn't technically a cringeworthy crush because the guy hasn't aged in the last ten years. So naturally, you’d still need far more than a hill with one tree on it to keep you away from this stud. Who knew so much drama surrounded a basketball team? Mind you, if basketball teams in Ireland looked like that, we might’ve taken an interest!
- Ben From A1
With that shameful curtain hairstyle that was all the rage back then, Ben was the complete package. Beautiful blue eyes, slightly crooked bottom teeth (which meant he’d really appreciate and respect your braces), a voice like smooth silk and dance moves to put the entire cast of Billy Elliot out of work. Whatever happened to Ben? We can't be certain, but rumour has it that he finally fulfilled his dreams of literally becoming an Audi A1.
- Seth Cohen
He could well have been Gordo's older brother, which similar to the Carter dilemma, would've been entirely fine. Seth's social awkwardness spoke to you in a way that has yet to be repeated. He was clumsy, nerdy, funny and ultimately right up your street. Summer didn’t realise what a wonderful specimen she had chasing her. Frankly, it would’ve been an honour.
- Harvey Kinkle
Was Sabrina drunk throughout her highschool years not to notice and appreciate the absolute lash she had beside her? Granted he was a bit slow, given that his crush was a full on witch and he never noticed, but that top earring was enough to make anyone swoon. She was a Goddamn fool not to magic her way into his arms long ago!
- Socky
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It was the mysterious permanently dilated pupil… Oh, just me? Look, it was the mismatched socks, I was a sucker for such blatant disregard of societal norms and I make no apology for it!
Who was your cringeworthy crush from the 00s or beyond? Are we the only ones that have looked them all up on Twitter and reminisced at what could've been?
