The Challenge: Cutthroat is set to deliver an electrifying mix of drama, fierce competition, and perhaps a few sizzling romances.
“Here’s a little insight for you. I’d have guessed that our Love Island alumni would ace the art of showmances, but they kind of let the ball drop, so we stepped up,” Johnny Bananas revealed to Us Weekly on Monday, August 3, while discussing the season’s spicy dynamics. “Let’s say some—or possibly one—enthusiastic veteran had to show them the ropes of Challenge romances. Big shoutout to Josh Goldstein, and Leo [Dionicio]!”
In the recently released official trailer for season 42, viewers are already buzzing with theories about potential romantic entanglements when a contestant is heard questioning, “Are we on Love Island or are we on The Challenge?”
Though fans will need to tune in to uncover who mixes romance with rivalry, Michele Fitzgerald hinted some of the cast were definitely open to the possibility.
If it were up to Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, he’d remain a staple of The Challenge for as long as possible. “I have a deep love for The Challenge. Competing and pushing myself to the limit is in my blood,” shared Devenanzio, 43, in an exclusive chat with Us Weekly before the premiere of MTV’s The Challenge: Vets and New Threats on Wednesday, July 30. “Though sometimes, it just gets harder to…”
“I feel like all the new blood came in with little tiny bikinis and a want to wear them, so it was a matter of time before there would be a Love Island aspect,” she teased, revealing there was no shortage of temptation for some stars. “I think there were a lot of hot people willing to hang out with a lot of hot people. I think you’re gonna see a lot of hookups and no face tattoos this time for me, so that’s a win.”
Before falling in love with The Challenge star Devin Walker, Michele, 36, had a brief romantic showmance with Emanuel Neagu during The Challenge: Spies, Lies & Allies in 2021.
Former Love Island contestant Deb Chubb joked that she “fell in love with herself” while filming this season. At the same time, she wasn’t surprised to see some sparks fly in the group.
“When you’re in a villa with a lot of hot people, you kind of get Stockholm syndrome,” she explained. “You’re obviously gonna fall in love with someone.”
Johnny, 44, added, “I will say this was a very horny cast.”
Romance aside, this new season — streaming on Paramount+ — promises to bring plenty of twists and turns to the cast.
Twenty-four contestants will live in a beautiful Thailand villa and be divided into three teams chosen by three captains. The teams are permanent and the only way to take home a share of the $500,000 cash prize in the end is to cross the finish line together as a unit.
From Survivor to The Challenge, Michele Fitzgerald and Devin Walker found love. Fitzgerald, 34, confirmed the new couple’s romance during a Thursday, June 6, Instagram Story Q&A after getting asked about their status multiple times. “LOL FINEEEE to answer ALL of your questions, that’s my boyfriend,” she wrote, sharing a kissing photo with Walker, 35. […]
Strategy and performance are pushed to the limit in this merciless season hosted by TJ Lavin.
“I think in the past, it’s very regimented, like challenge, elimination, interview, challenge, elimination. This was so much more open,” Tori Deal told Us. “There was room to have fun. They wanted us to get along and to vibe. And actually, I feel like I had more fun this season than I’ve had since. Also, the team dynamic was helpful because it felt like you had a built-in group, obviously. I think there should be more fun — depending on how it’s edited.”
Watch all the fun unfold when Season 42 of MTV’s The Challenge: Cutthroat premieres on Paramount+ Wednesday, August 5. The season will premiere with two episodes, with each episode dropping weekly thereafter.