Surviving Paradise contestant Taylor Olympios has revealed she’s still dating her co-star Shea Foster – despite almost calling it quits when she found out about his brutal decision to send her into the wild on the new Netflix show banish, was surprised.
The couple struck up a romance on the reality series, in which 12 contestants are whisked away to a luxury villa – only to be promptly kicked out and tasked with climbing back out of the forest to win a $100,000 cash prize.
Taylor has now revealed that Shea’s snub caused a mountain of “suspicion” and caused her to question their compatibility.
In an exclusive interview with , she opened up about her “situation” – and gave her verdict on who she thinks should have won the dramatic new series.
Surviving Paradise star Taylor remained tight-lipped when asked about the current status of her romance with co-star Shea Foster
The reality star fell in love with Shea while filming the new Netflix show
The couple began a romance while competing to win the $100,000 prize fund
When asked about the current status of her relationship with Shea, she replied, “How should I put this?” These things happen. Life happens.
“Me and Shea come from two very, very different lives and I think when we were on the show it was like we had the same life and things were really easy.”
“When we left the show and we both went back into both our lives and combined our lives, it was a bit of a shock.”
When asked if she was single, she replied: “No, I wouldn’t say that,” before confessing that the duo “definitely have some things planned.”
In the series’ eighth episode, Shea stunned Taylor when he chose to stay in the villa and send them back to camp during a brutal game in which three pairs of contestants had to decide who should go into the wilderness and who should stay in luxury . If they fail to make a decision in time, both of them risk being sent home.
Recalling Shea’s brutal move, she said: “It was definitely very hard for me.” Many people were unaware of the seriousness of the situation. I had just arrived at camp and was an emotional tornado. It was pretty serious.
“I’m not going to lie, that decision left a really bad taste in my mouth. I am a hardcore lover. I will always put myself last. I could have fought and said, “No, you’re going to go,” and he probably would have left, but just the fact that he said, “Oh yeah, I agree.”
Taylor revealed that they had “several” conversations off-camera after the show wrapped filming because Shea’s snub caused a mountain of “distrust.”
The couple seemed completely in love with each other throughout the series
But Shea left Taylor stunned when he decided to stay in the villa and take her to base camp
“He knew how hard it was for me, and the fact that he agreed to send me back there just showed me that he wasn’t going to ride or die,” she said.
At the end of the series, it was revealed that the majority of eliminated cast members had voted for Linda Okoli to win the $100,000 prize money – which she then shared with her co-star Lellies Santiago.
The move shocked Taylor, who said she expected Linda to have a falling out with Alex Dourassof after the two had formed a close bond.
“I was so happy for Linda because she is a really, really nice girl,” she said. “She is so genuine and always has nice things to say about everyone and I know she will do great things with the money.”
The participants of “Surviving Paradise” enjoyed life in a luxurious villa by the sea
The sprawling mansion featured multiple pools and entertainment areas
The infinity pool overlooking the sea became a haven for players
The villa was a far cry from camp life – where participants sat on logs and slept in hut beds
“But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked when Linda chose Lellies over Alex.
“I’m not sure if Linda got to pick someone who’s already eliminated, but Alex is my best friend and I’m not just saying that because I’m ride or die at his expense, but because I thought with all my heart, he it would be.” Day after day at Linda’s side.
“Everyone made the money and everyone had their reasons, so of course I’m happy for Linda and Lellies, you know, great for them.” But Alex did the work and I just wish it had been worth it, you know? ‘
Despite her frustration over the cash prize – and her hiccups with Shea – Taylor said she was impressed that she managed to “survive” paradise.
Linda won the $100,000 cash prize and shared the jackpot with her friend Lellies
Taylor was shocked by Linda’s move as she believed her pal Alex had a good chance of taking home the money
“It was a complete surprise,” she said, of being pulled from luxury into the wilderness.
“They made us stay in the villa all day and forced us to put our things in the rooms as if we were sleeping there.” Then all the lights in the villa went out and Jessimae came out and said we had to go to the forest .
“I literally, when I wasn’t on camera, was like, ‘Wait a minute, can I go home? I don’t know if I can do it.’
“When I went down there, I literally thought, ‘Oh my God, like I’m going to die! I’m not going to survive,’ and like I surprised myself at the end.”
After some reflection, Taylor accepted that she had “adjusted very well” and added: “I have to say if I give myself credit.”
Surviving Paradise is now streaming on Netflix.