Where Is Stranded On Honeymoon Island Filmed & Is It Scripted? All Your Burning Questions, Answered
Well, we've already seen bride Amy Dickinson label her husband Mike Dawes as 'misogynistic', and it looks like one of the contestants could have a relationship on the outside. Teasers for the season show plenty of tears, fights and MAFS -style dinner parties on the beach.
With all the drama happening on screen, it got us wondering about what happens behind the scenes. Do contestants have to forage for their own food? Where do they sleep, and are they encouraged to have sex on Stranded On Honeymoon Island? And of course, are contestants allowed to bring makeup or clothes for the filming duration? Refinery29 Australia spoke to contestants Amy Dickinson and Jess Matthews to get all the answers to your burning Stranded On Honeymoon Island questions.
Where is Stranded On Honeymoon Island filmed?
Stranded On Honeymoon Island was filmed in 2023 across the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji.
How many items of clothing can Stranded On Honeymoon Island contestants pack?
The clothes the Stranded On Honeymoon Island contestants arrive in are the only outfits they're allowed to wear for the entire three-week duration. Production provided a 'few extra pairs of underwear' on arrival.
'White lace and tulle doesn't last long in an ocean setting so we had to get creative and make our 'fits,' Jess says. 'I suspected I wouldn't be given a suitcase of clothing, so I wore three g-strings and a pair of underwear under my wedding dress — hot!'
Possibly! Production provided condoms, plus all contestants were required to undergo medical checks prior to filming. 'Condoms were provided… but whether I, or any of the other couples [had sex]... you'll just have to wait and find out,' Amy teases.
'If you've ever tried to have sex on a beach, you'll understand that sand alone is contraception,' Jess adds cheekily. 'Jokes aside, yes, condoms were provided, and it was a very pro-safe sex environment.'
Where do Stranded On Honeymoon Island contestants sleep on the show?
While the island is idyllic and gives off a honeymoon aesthetic, the contestants didn't exactly have five-star accommodation. Each couple is given a bed inside a shelter with a roof but no walls, so like on Survivor, they have to deal with wind, bugs, and rain.
'We had a double bed we had to share, which wasn't ideal for the couples who weren't feeling the spark. The shelter had a roof but no walls, so privacy wasn't a luxury we had either,' Amy reveals.
Are contestants allowed to wear makeup on the island?
Stranded On Honeymoon Island contestants aren't allowed to bring or wear any makeup for the 21 days they're stuck on the island. Jess says it meant the women had to 'rely on the sun and salt water to reveal natural beauty', and their 'vulnerabilities' were exposed. However, they do have access to some required toiletries, such as toothpaste and sunblock.
'Makeup was not a luxury we had, it was rough. We had a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. That was pretty much it. I ended up using my own hair to floss my teeth,' Amy tells us. 'We didn't even have a hairbrush, so my hair was in full-blown dreadlocks by day three.'
Do Stranded On Honeymoon Island contestants have to find their own food?
The Stranded On Honeymoon Island couples are provided with rice, pasta and vegetables. It doesn't sound very gourmet, but at least they didn't have to hunt or forage. 'We had basic food rations but no utensils or plates. This forced us to be really resourceful with what we found on the beach. We used shells as spoons, and I cut veggies with a machete — it's harder than it sounds,' Jess says.
Are you allowed to have your phone on Stranded On Honeymoon Island?
Couples are required to go completely no-contact with the outside world for three weeks. It sounds like a nice detox, actually. Jess tells us she didn't hold her phone for almost an entire month, and the contestants never knew what time or day it was.
'We got used to judging [the time] by the sun and moon. Very National Geographic of us,' Jess jokes.
Is anything scripted on Stranded On Honeymoon Island?
Reality TV doesn't always seem authentic, but Jess swears nothing on Stranded On Honeymoon Island is scripted. 'The experience is designed to make you feel things in a big way. Exposure to the elements with a complete stranger and your heart on the line means incredibly raw reactions,' Jess explains. 'The added curve ball of zero distractions heightens any feelings of anxiety or insecurities. On the island, I cried at things I would not even blink at in my real life.'
Stranded On Honeymoon Island is our current reality TV obsession, but will it be able to create as many successful couples as Farmer Wants A Wife? Judging from the drama-filled previews, it seems this show might be more about entertainment than finding love.
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7 hours ago
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37 Fashion Pieces That'll Have You Feeling Fierce
A floral denim corset that'll pair perfectly with a cowboy hat. If you already saw Cowboy Carter and are missing the vibes, grab this and your boots and sing your heart out to "ll Hands ll Heaven." *Sobs*, Beyoncé, come back. 😭 Promising review: "I love this corset top! It provides excellent support and fits snugly without feeling restrictive. The craftsmanship is impressive, and the fabric is durable. Perfect for nights out or layered with casual looks. Definitely a fun, fashionable addition to my wardrobe!" —Good and badGet it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes XS–6XL and 26 colors). A *to die for* three-piece set including a bikini top, bottoms, and a mesh maxi coverup skirt for a full beach fit that'll absolutely eeeeatt. Go ahead and book that flight immediately. Get them from White Fox: the bikini top for $39.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and 49 colors/patterns), the bottoms for $34.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and 37 colors/patterns), and the mesh maxi coverup skirt for $54.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and 13 colors/patterns). A spandex-blend slip maxi dress that could be the Skims version's distant, cheaper cousin. $20 > $80. Plus, no one will be able to tell the difference. A knotted skirt wrap with a tiger print that'll have you searching for any and every opportunity to wear it. I mean, it does deserve to be seen as much as possible. Get it from Micas for $32 (originally $40; available in one size fits most for plus sizes 0XL–4XL). An absolutely darling ruffled romper so adorable, if there were a fashion dictionary, they'd have a picture of this under "cutest romper ever." Promising review: "This romper is ideal for any occasion! Best part is that it does great in hot weather, and it can be dressed up or down. I was a little skeptical because I'm 5'0 tall and thought it wouldn't fit correctly. However, I was wrong and I'm ordering another color!*Update: I've ordered it again in a different color and I still absolutely love it!" —Jess and EvGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 15 colors/patterns). A spaghetti strap top with a built-in bra that reviewers are comparing to its long-lost twin over at Alo Yoga. Long story short — messy divorce, Amazon, and Alo Yoga decided they'd each take one kid and never speak of the other. Kinda like that one Disney movie. Promising reviews: "I have had my eye on the Alo Yoga top for $51 and found this one on Amazon for a fraction of that!! Fits me perfectly. There are no pads, but I prefer that. It does come with cup inserts, but the material is thick enough that nothing shows. #founditonamazon." —Jessica"This top is a swap for the Alo Yoga top. They look exactly alike! The fabric is very soft and stretchy. These padding inserts are seamless and comfortable." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 12 colors). A knit halter dress that'll have everyone kinda nervous when you enter a room because you'll look like a bombshell entering the villa, coming to steal everybody's partner. Actually, I'm pretty sure I saw Clarke wear it in red in the episode where America ranked the islanders (and got it ALL WRONG, might I add, Clarked it 🤏🤏🤏). Promising review: "I purchased this dress for my vacation to Aruba. I absolutely love it. It's so soft and adjustable that it fits me perfectly. Say yes to this dress. I feel stunning in it." —Tammy vigilGet it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and six colors). A backless bodysuit with the ever-so-popular scrunch butt look that'll have you staring at yourself in the mirror, trying not to drool at how dang good you look. You and everyone who sees you will be completely gagged. I have this and wear it everywhere — dance rehearsals, the gym, to run errands, literally any chance I get. It's so cute and v comfy and surprisingly, I mean, I have smaller boobs *but*, they don't pop out at dance classes or the gym, even with all the moving. It has removable pads so my boobies are supported and I can go braless no problem. It's squat-proof and *honorable mention* dance-proof. I did a four-hour rehearsal, and it didn't rip! Everyone wanted to know where I got it from. I need one in every review: "This bodysuit is absolutely the best, the material is strong and stretchy. It feels amazing and makes me look amazing. Definitely recommend getting several of these, I've bought two already." —Terri LewisGet it from Amazon for $12.34+ (available in sizes XS–XL and eight colors). An infinity cropped halter from Telfar because how can you not look at this and think of a billion outfit combos? 😍 Literally crafting mood boards in my head. Telfar is a Black-owned NYC-based unisex line founded in 2005 by Telfar Clemens with the tagline "Not for you, for everyone."*Be sure to check out the size chart to figure out your size! It's unisex sizes, so where I'd normally wear a large in bottoms and a medium in tops, I wear a small in bottoms and an extra small or small top with Telfar, depending on if I want it oversized or it from Telfar for $85 (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and three colors). A midi dress and cardigan set so stunning, you'll be stopped every five minutes with questions about where you got it. Rebdolls is a Latine- and woman-owned small biz that makes clothes with plenty of bold colors and fun it from Rebdolls for $79.90 (available in sizes S–5X and four colors). A waist chain, since you're all about the details. This is gonna look soooo hot all summer long, omg, send me the pics, bestie. Promising review: "I wanted to try out waist chains as they're so freaking cute. This exceeded my expectations. It's so cute, and such a pretty color. I picked silver cause I feel like it looks better on my skin tone. Product honestly looks just like the picture. I love how it fits so perfectly and how you can adjust the size accordingly. It's honestly way cuter than I expected. —Julianna it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes and 12 styles). A darling halter maxi dress you'll wanna twirl around in all day. Twirl, honey, twirl, *Nene Leakes voice*. Promising review: "Went to a wedding and the dress fit perfectly. A lot of compliments." —Rolanda CharlesGet it from Amazon for $46.99 (available in sizes S–XL and four colors). A pair of high-waisted bell-bottoms with butterflies on 'em that def give Y2K vibes. Like, Raven Baxter probably had these in her closet. Promising review: "My new favorite pair of pants. I love love love these jeans. I have already received several compliments when wearing them. They are super cute and make me feel great! I love them so much that I bought the lighter pair, as well, even though I usually only wear dark colored jeans. So happy with this purchase!" —Breanna K LarsenGet them from Amazon for $28.79 (available in sizes S–3XL and 14 colors). A maxi dress that'll make you realize that your soulmate is actually a super hot, jaw-dropping maxi dress with a mesh bodice. Get it from White Fox for $84.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and four colors). A halter bodysuit with a layered ruffle trim and an open back that'll have everyone ready to pull you for a chat. Oh, and peep Love Island UK's *iconic* bombshell Maura Higgins (season five) modeling. Promising review: "Show stopper! I felt so comfortable and confident. Fits like a dream. Buy it!" —Chloe it from Oh Polly for $120 (available in sizes XXS–XL and two colors). A backless butterfly maxi dress that'll for sure command the attention of the ENTIRE room. Kinda like when Cinderella (Brandy version) walked into the ball and the entire room stopped dancing to stare. Promising review: "This dress made me feel so sexyyyy! I love it, the material was A1 quality. I only wish it had tighter shoulder straps or a seamless adjustable strap, being that a bra can't be worn with this dress." —Styles By Proof_Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes XS–L and three colors). A colorful knit bucket hat to spice up any boring 'fit. 'Nuff said. Promising review: "This hat is so freaking cute! I get so many compliments every time I wear it. It's big head-friendly, I've worn it over a wig and braids, and it was comfortable each time." —Trebion BembryGet it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors). A simple halter top and ruched skirt because just when you thought you'd never fall in love again, this baddie walks into your life. Get them from Rebdolls: the top for $27.90 (available in sizes S–5X) and the skirt for $29.90 (available in sizes S–5X). A cutie halter top + matching pants that'll have you walking around with so much confidence, cuz as soon as you put this on, you'll be reminded that you're a total baddie. Get them from White Fox: the halter top for $59.99 (available in sizes XXS–L and three colors) and the matching pants for $69.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and three colors). A strapless maxi dress with a stunning floral print that'll for sure turn heads. The devil on your shoulder won't need to do much convincing to get you to put this in your cart. Promising review: "This fitted maxi dress is a game changer! The high stretch material hugs my curves perfectly without being sheer, making me feel like an elegant goddess at every event." —B***oGet it from Micas for $48 (available in sizes XS–XL). A bodycon maxi dress you'll wanna wear on every summer vacay. It's perfect for an outdoor lunch or even to impersonate a famous pop star on a trip to Italy while Paolo tells you that "you shine with the light from the sun." Promising review: "It's stunning, breathtaking, and beautiful. It was love at first sight when I saw it. It's worth every penny! It makes you feel like a goddess! I got all the compliments! I'm definitely buying this dress in different prints. 🥰" —Kia HowardGet it from Amazon for $49.98+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 12 colors). A Telfar logo hoodie with a cutout keyhole infinity loop that I swear is whispering in my ear *let me come home with you*, like, are you hearing it too? I mean, I'm trying to resist this, but it's low-key in my cart *bites finger*. It's seducing me. Get it from Telfar for $325 (available in unisex sizes S–XXL). A denim mini skirt that will definitely be so much cooler than the other jean skirts in your closet. The others you own will be *so* irritated by the clear favoritism. Promising review: "This fitted denim skirt is perfect! The quality is impressive, and it fits my figure beautifully." —M***sGet it from Micas for $60 (available in sizes XS–XL). A ruffled mini dress with ruching and a 3D floral appliqué that'll have you searching for mirrors everywhere you go to walk by and check yourself out in. Promising review: "I absolutely adore this summer mini dress! The slim fit hugs my curves perfectly while the high-stretch fabric feels so comfortable. My friends keep asking where I got it!" —A***rGet it from Micas for $52 (originally $55; available in sizes 0XL–3XL and two colors). A lacey corset top that'll quickly become the ✨star✨ of the show. The Beyoncé of your closet for sure. Promising review: "I honestly was skeptical about all the hype (I was obviously super intrigued, still) ,but this is easily one of my favorite finds on Amazon. The quality is better than expected, the lace is gorgeous in person, and the details are lovely all around. The lace is soft and not itchy, and the corset itself isn't terribly restrictive, but still offers support in the right places. I would say if you are in between sizes or have a bigger bust, go up one size to be safe. I am so tempted to buy more colors." —Jessica | Booked JGet it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 14 colors). A tiered high-waisted maxi skirt with pockets (!!!) and a beaded drawstring for an effortlessly stylish look. Every one of your summer tops will want a turn to be paired with this. Promising review: "One of my favorite skirts I own, it's light enough but still doesn't show under the skirt. It also has pockets, which is very important to have when you have a lot to hold! Overall, well-made and would buy again!" —Jacquelyn WantlinGet it from Amazon for $30.39+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 16 colors). A boho jumpsuit you'll love so much it'll begin to invade your dreams like ~wear meeee, you know you want to~. Promising review: "LOVE THIS! The material feels good on your skin. It feels light and airy. Even though it's pants, they're light enough to wear during the summer without feeling hot. The fit is perfect. I wouldn't mind having this in other colors. I'm so happy with this purchase." —Nanette N BakerGet it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 13 colors). A plunging V-neck mini dress with an open back that'll be the first thing you pack every vacation, cuz you'll never wanna be on a trip without this cutie. Promising review: "This dress is exactly what I was looking for! We went to Florida for my 30th birthday, and I wanted something fun and beachy, but also something that I could wear again, and this dress hit the mark for sure! Super comfy, not too hot, and the perfect party dress!" —Heather HGet it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 18 patterns). A fabulous maxi dress because it literally looks like it'd be worn by Ariana Madix to the villa firepit to deliver the most chaotic news ever to the islanders. Cue the crash outs. Promising review: "My favorite clothing item. It's seriously perfect. I sized down and it was the right decision. Buy it if you're thinking about it!" —Lea it from Outcast for $84 (available in sizes XXS–XL). An adorable off-shoulder jumper with pockets that'll become your summer fave without even trying. Promising review: "This outfit was very comfortable and I loved how it fit me. Loved the material." —Mechellelee it from Rebdolls for $59.90 (available in sizes S–5X). A ruffled hem maxi dress that'll be your favorite 'fit to pack for vacation. Cute + pockets = a must-have. Promising review: "FINALLY! Long enough! I'm 5'7 and most 'maxi' dresses barely graze my ankles. This dress actually reaches the ground. Fabric is 100% poly and did not shrink with washing." —Susan BarnesGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes S–5XL and 25 colors). A ribbed bodycon midi dress because a little black dress always screams fierce. The adjustable ruching, the side slit, it's everything. 😍 Get it from Rebdolls for $49.90 (available in sizes S–5X). A chic two-piece set with a maxi skirt and cropped top that'll have you booking a flight to Greece immediately. This baby deserves to be seen around the world for sure. Promising review: "Just buy it, you'll see, this looks and feels very expensive like it's from a fancy boutique!! Fits perfectly, and don't let the 'cropped top' scare you, my tummy doesn't show one bit!! You can adjust the skirt to be a touch higher, like a high-waisted skirt, without compromising the look!! If you wanted your tummy to show, also an easy adjustment with the skirt waist height. A+." —EMMGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 11 colors). A super cute cowboy hat you'll wear just so you can do-si-do on down to brunch in style. Get it from Princess Polly for $28. A denim corset maxi dress with a halter neck, frontline zipper, adjustable straps, ANNNND pockets! I'm sure this beauty will meet your cart very soon. Get it from Eloquii for $159.95 (available in sizes 14–28). A pair of rimless sunglasses because it's scientifically proven that you can't *not* feel fierce while wearing sunnies... Okay, I totally made that up, but throw on a pair of sunglasses and tell me you don't feel totally fabulous. Promising review: "Stylish must-have! I recently snagged a pair of Y2K Sunglasses, and they're my new obsession! These shades boast a chic Y2K-inspired design that's both trendy and comfortable. With lightweight frames and adjustable nose pads, they're perfect for all-day wear. Plus, they're incredibly versatile, complementing any outfit effortlessly. Made with quality materials, these sunglasses are durable and offer excellent UV protection. In summary, the Y2K Sunglasses are a stylish must-have accessory that adds flair to any look. Trust me, you won't regret adding them to your collection —PavlovGet it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five colors). A crossover crop top with keyhole cutouts that you'll surely get your money's worth out of, cuz once you put it on, you'll wanna wear it nonstop. Get it from Rebdolls for $34.90 (available in sizes S–5X). You at the pool in your Roberto Cavalli x Skims bikini and waist chains: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
18 hours ago
'The Osbournes' changed Ozzy's image from grisly to cuddly, and changed reality TV
LOS ANGELES -- There was Ozzy before 'The Osbournes' and Ozzy after 'The Osbournes.' For much of his life, the Black Sabbath founder and legendary heavy metal frontman who died at 76 on Tuesday was known to much of the public as a dark purveyor of deeds ranging from decadent to downright Satanic. Wild stories followed him. Clergy condemned him. Parents sued him. But with the debut of his family reality show on MTV, the world learned what those who'd been paying closer attention already knew: Ozzy Osbourne was soft and fuzzy under the darkness. During its relatively short run from 2002 to 2005, 'The Osbournes' became a runaway hit and made stars of his wife Sharon and kids Jack and Kelly. But more than that, it made a star of the domesticated version of Ozzy Osbourne, and in the process changed reality TV. In 2025, when virtually every variety of celebrity has had a reality show, it's hard to see what a novelty the series was. MTV sold it as television's first 'reality sitcom." 'Just the idea of the Black Sabbath founder, who will forever be known for biting the head off a bat during a 1982 concert, as a family man seems strange,' Associated Press Media Writer David Bauder wrote on the eve of 'The Osbournes' premiere. But on the show, Osbourne was "sweetly funny — and under everything a lot like the put-upon dads you've been seeing in television sitcoms for generations.' Danny Deraney, a publicist who worked with Osbourne and was a lifelong fan, said of the show, "You saw some guy who was curious. You saw some guy who was being funny. You just saw pretty much the real thing.' 'He's not the guy that everyone associates with the 'Prince of Darkness' and all this craziness,' Deraney said. "And people loved him. He became so affable to so many people because of that show. As metal fans, we knew it. We knew that's who he was. But now everyone knew.' Reality shows at the time, especially the popular competition shows like 'Survivor,' thrived on heightened circumstances. For 'The Osbournes,' no stakes were too low. They sat on the couch. They ate dinner. The now-sober Ozzy sipped Diet Cokes, and urged his kids not to indulge in alcohol or drugs when they went out. He struggled to find the History Channel on his satellite TV. They feuded with the neighbors because, of all things, their loud music was driving the Osbournes crazy. 'You were seeing this really fascinating, appealing, bizarre tension between the public persona of a celebrity and their mundane experiences at home,' said Kathryn VanArendonk, a critic for Vulture and New York Magazine. The sitcom tone was apparent from its first moments. 'You turn on this show and you get this like little jazzy cover theme song of the song 'Crazy Train,' and there's all these bright colors and fancy editing, and we just got to see this like totally 180-degree different side of Ozzy which was just surprising and incredible to watch," said Nick Caruso, staff editor at TVLine. Like family sitcoms, the affection its leads clearly had for each other was essential to its appeal. 'For some reason, we kind of just fell in love with them the same way that we grew to love Ozzy and Sharon as like a marital unit," Caruso said. What was maybe strangest about the show was how not-strange it felt. The two Ozzies seemed seamless rather than contradictory. 'You're realizing that these things are personas and that all personas are these like elaborate complex mosaics of like who a person is,' VanArendonk said. 'The Osbournes' had both an immediate and a long-term affect on the genre. Both Caruso and VanArendonk said shows like 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica,' which followed then-pop stars Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey after they married, was clearly a descendant. And countless other shows felt its influence, from 'The Kardashians' to 'The Baldwins' — the recently debuted reality series on Alec Baldwin, his wife Hilaria and their seven kids. ''The Baldwins' as a reality show is explicitly modeled on 'The Osbournes,' VanArendonk said. 'It's like you have these famous people and now you get to see what their home lives are like, what they are like as parents, what they're eating, what they are taking on with them on vacation, who their pets are, and they are these sort of cuddly, warm, eccentric figures.'
USA Today
19 hours ago
- USA Today
'Challenge' vets CT and Olivia reveal their partner picking strategies
A new season of The Challenge kicks off on Wednesday, and the long-running reality franchise is adding some new faces to the mix. The Challenge: Vets & New Threats brings back some of the biggest names in the competition series, while also introducing a crop of freshman contenders for the 41st season. Sixteen vets of the game will be paired up with 16 newcomers, joining the fray from shows like Survivor, Love Island UK, Big Brother, The Amazing Race and more. Among the vets are long-time Challenge contender and five-time champion Chris "CT" Tamburello and three-time participant Olivia Kaiser. Although Kaiser herself is a relative newbie when standing alongside challengers like Tamburello, Johnny Bananas and Aneesa Ferreira, she's gotten a lot of experience through those three seasons. In her first two seasons, Kaiser made it 17 episodes, with the Love Island USA star finishing in fourth in her first season. That experience has been invaluable. "I'm excited for this season, because although I still feel like a rookie, I feel like I have actually experienced almost more than some of the longtime vets," Kaiser told For The Win in a recent interview. "I feel like I really have put in the work. I'm proud of myself to be able to be called a vet, but at the same time, I'm still finding my bearings." Both Kaiser and Tamburello enter new seasons with different strategies, with the long-time participant still just giddy to be included. "I think for a long time I've kind of kind of forgot about like the simple things I used to take a granted," Tamburello said. "I always kind of feel like I'm Peter Pan slash Willy Wonka in the sense that I get to go back to Neverland whenever I get the invite. I want to show up at the airport, say my final good byes, hand over my phone, and then I get my golden ticket and that's when I find out where I'm gonna go. It's like Christmas." Tamburello -- who has been part of some of the most iconic moments in Challenge history -- and Kaiser know how instrumental the right partner is on one of these seasons. For the 20-season veteran it's less about what the potential partner has than what they don't, trying to avoid drama and any enemies a partner might bring into the mix. "I don't want my partner to be XYZ," Tamburello explained. "The first thing I'm looking for is something I'm not looking for, if that makes sense." Kaiser relies less on choosing the biggest or strongest or fastest partner (although those traits are important in a physical game) and instead looks at compatibility. "I kind of just wanted someone that wanted to work with me, that we would have fun," she said. "You were with your partner all season, and I've been with a partner before, and I know how important that is for someone to motivate you. It's not about being the best, it's about being the best for your partner." While it's a mixed bag how partnerships shake out over the course of a season, the vets can let out an exhale of relief over what the fresh meat is bringing for Season 41. "I will say that this season, I am so impressed with every single rookie that showed up. It's literally insane," Kaiser said of the new crop of competitors. "I think all of us vets were kind of like, 'Oh my God. Thank God we're partnering with one of them.'" The Challenge: Vets & New Threats airs Wednesday nights at 8 ET on MTV.
