SINGAPORE — When actor Alaric Tay signed up to play John in MediaCorp Channel 5’s new series, Spouse For House, it seemed like Tay and his character came from opposite poles. Until his baby Elijah was born last year, that is.

“John is a budding musician who is messy, disorganised and unkempt,” he explained. “Whereas I usually see myself as an organised person. But after my kid, well, he turned it 180 degrees around. I guess now I’m the total opposite!”

Spouse For House revolves around a whirlwind romance between John and Jessica (played by Selena Li). After a hasty marriage, the newlywed couple realise their growing repulsion towards each other, but neither is willing to give up the flat, resulting in comedic conflicts and ultimately, said Tay, life lessons to be learnt.

“A lot of married couples will find a lot of relatable stories, like for example, having your parents coming over unannounced and working out the expectations of what you want as a couple, which I guess a lot of couples have to learn,” he said.

The first-time father will also have to learn to juggle his time between his family commitments and his work schedule. Tay revealed that he has a packed timetable, work-wise. “I’m currently working on the seventh season of The Noose; a small role on C.L.I.F 3; and also a three-part feature film that will surprise, excite and amuse my fans. It’s going to be a Chinese comedy by Han Yew Kwang, who previously also did 18 Grams Of Love.”

Looks like Tay’s next act requires work-life balance more than anything else.

Spouse For House is on every Tuesdays, 8pm on Channel 5.