EXCLUSIVE: Surviving Paradise’s Taylor Olympios teases ongoing romance with Shea Foster – as she reveals the moment she almost LEFT the new Netflix show and names who should have won the $100,000 prize
Surviving Paradise contestant Taylor Olympios has revealed she’s still dating co-star Shea Foster – despite almost quitting when she was blindsided by his brutal decision to banish her to the wild on the new Netflix show.
The pair struck up a romance on the reality series, which saw 12 contestants whisked away to a luxury mansion – only to be promptly kicked out and tasked with climbing back out of the forest in a bid to win a $100,000 cash prize.
Taylor has now revealed that Shea’s fickleness caused a mountain of ‘mistrust’ and left her questioning their compatibility.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, she opened up about their ‘situation’ – and gave her verdict on who she really thought should have won the dramatic new series.
Surviving Paradise star Taylor remained coy when pressed about the current status of her romance with co-star Shea Foster
The reality star found love with Shea while filming the new Netflix show
The couple began their romance while battling to win a $100,000 prize pool
Asked about the current status of her relationship with Shea, she said: “How can I put it? 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 very easy.
‘When we left the show and we both went back to our lives and combined both lives, it was a bit of a shock.’
Asked if she was single, she said “no, I wouldn’t say that” before admitting that the duo “definitely have some things planned”.
In the eighth episode of the show, Shea left Taylor stunned when he decided to stay in the mansion and send her back to camp during a brutal game, where three pairs of contestants were forced to decide who should go into the wild and who should stay in luxury. . If they didn’t make a decision in time, they both risked being sent home.
Recalling Shea’s savage move, she said: “It was definitely very difficult for me. Many people did not realize the gravity of the situation. I had just arrived at camp and was full of an emotional tornado. It was pretty serious.
“I’m not going to lie, that decision left a really bad taste in my mouth.” I’m a die-hard lover. I will always like to put myself last for my person. I could have fought, and I could have said ‘no, you’re going’ and he probably would have gone, but just the fact that he was like, ‘oh yeah, I agree’.’
Taylor revealed that they had “more” off-camera conversations when filming on the show ended, as Shay’s bra had sparked a mountain of “distrust”.
The pair seemed completely smitten with each other throughout the series
But Shea left Taylor stunned when he decided to stay at the villa and drive her to base camp
“He knew how hard it was for me, so the fact that he was okay with sending me there just showed me that it wasn’t going to be ride or die,” she said.
By the end of the series, it was revealed that the majority of the eliminated cast members had voted for Linda Okoli to win the $100,000 cash prize – which she then decided to share with her co-star Leli Santiago.
The move shocked Taylor, who said she expected Linda to split with Alex Durasoff after the pair formed a close relationship.
“I was so happy for Linda because she’s a really, really nice girl,” she said. “She’s so honest and always has nice things to say about everyone and I know she’ll do great things with the money.”
The contestants of Surviving Paradise enjoyed living in a luxury villa by the sea
The spacious villa has several swimming pools and entertainment areas
The infinity pool overlooked the ocean and became a haven for players
The villa was a far cry from camp life – where contestants sat on logs and slept in beds in cabins
“But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked when Linda chose Lellis over Alex.”
“Now, I’m not sure if Linda was allowed to pick someone who was already eliminated, but Alex is my best friend, and I’m not just saying this because I’m his do-or-die, I thought he was wholeheartedly beside Linda day by day.
“They all deserved the money and they all had their reasons, so of course I’m happy for Linda and Lela, you know, great for them.” But Alex did the work and I’d just like it to pay off, you know?’
Despite the frustrations over the prize money – and the hiccup with Shea – Taylor said she was impressed she managed to ‘survive’ Paradise.
Linda won $100,000 in prize money and shared the jackpot with her friend Lelis
Taylor was shocked by Linda’s move as she believed her friend Alex had a good chance of taking home the money
“It was a complete surprise,” she said of being dragged out of luxury and into the wilderness.
“They let us hang out in the villa all day, they made us put things in the rooms as if we were going to sleep there. Then all the lights in the mansion went out and Jessima came out and said we had to go down into the woods.
“I was literally like, off camera, it was like, ‘Wait, wait, like, can I go home?’ I don’t know if I can do this.’
‘As I was going down I was literally like, “Oh my God, I’m going to die! I’m not going to make it” and I ended up like I surprised myself.’
On reflection, Taylor accepted that she had “adjusted very well”, adding: “I have to say if I give myself credit.”
Surviving Paradise is now streaming on Netflix.