As the fearless host of the erotic series Sin Cities, Ashley Hames takes a no-holds-barred approach to covering some of the world’s wildest sexual tales.
He has garnered worldwide legendary status through his revealing explorations into sex sub-cultures, unique fetishes and adult sex industries around the globe.
In The Contortionist’s candid interview with the bubbly Brit, Hames reveals intimate, and somewhat painful, details from the A Life Less Ordinary series including his opinion on this country’s sexiest city.
Of all your Sin City experiences, what’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?
A few moments spring to mind - sky-diving naked...getting my right breast inflated with saline...getting a red wine enema...having industrial sized hooks inserted into my back...
But I think the moment that remains truly unforgettable was getting my scrotum nailed to a plank of wood on a visit to a rather sadistic French Mistress in Paris. That was both a physical and mental journey that I won't ever forget...it was, officially, a deathbed moment.
What’s the sexiest city you’ve been to so far?
In terms of girls that look great - Buenos Aires and Barcelona.
For getting laid – Vancouver.
Is there anything you covered that was too wild to make it to air? If so, what was it?
Some moments had to be severely edited - the scrotum nailing was deemed too graphic initially and we had to cut the screaming down to a minimum. What you see on screen actually downplays the pain I was in, in order to make it “broadcastable.”
The Blowjob Auditions shoot in Montreal was...er....a bit rude, so we had to shift that down a gear or two in order to get it on screen. There are many things that are filmed that we have to tone down in the edit for obvious reasons.
Another thing that never made it to air was when we went to South Africa and I successfully attempted the world record for the number of clothes pegs (I think I did 101) attached to my scrotum. Annoyingly this wasn't due to content, but because the camera was on the wrong setting and it was too dark for broadcast.
What types of reactions do you get from people who recognize you on the street?
Usually a smile. The word 'legend' crops up a bit, sometimes followed by the offer of a drink. It's really encouraging.
Some of the topics you’ve covered look like it might hurt. Do you have a high pain threshold?
No. I hate pain. But I like the challenge of pushing myself, and secondly, I know that it’s entertaining to see someone, especially a posh kid like me, in an agonizing situation. All I want to do is entertain and provoke...pain is the sacrifice I sometimes have to pay in order to achieve that.
What was your favourite role that you’ve done so far (porn director, etc.)?
I loved acting as a barman in a recent Prague porn shoot. I had the run of the bar and was allowed to drink anything and everything while my customers busied themselves with each others bodies. Naturally it climaxed with me being sick into a bucket.
What are some of the cities you’d still like to explore?
With the notable exception of Buenos Aires and Rio, South American capital cities have yet to be fully explored - I'd like to go back there.
How would you compare Canadian cities to other international cities in terms of our openness in exploring sexuality?
Canadians always seem to be a bit more ready with a smile when in the bedroom. That compares favourably with other nations.