The reality TV crossover is official. CT Tamburello from The Challenge and Phaedra Parks from Real Housewives of Atlanta are a couple. CT confirmed the relationship to Us Weekly, saying“I’ll say we’re in a good place.”The two originally met in 2023 while filming season 2 of Peacock’s The Traitors, where their connection was purely platonic.
Their path to romance unfolded slowly. After CT’s marriage to Catalina White ended with divorce filings from both sides, the friendship between him and Phaedra deepened into something more. They made their red carpet debut at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmys on September 5, and CT didn’t hold back about his feelings, telling the outlet that Phaedra is“amazing”and that“she just brings peace. It’s easy to just stay calm around her.”
The couple has mostly been long-distance so far, but CT says the arrangement works for them. It’s a satisfying full-circle moment for fans of both MTV and Bravo, since these two fandoms rarely get to share a storyline. From a castle in Scotland to a red carpet in LA, this one took its time, and that might be exactly why it’s working.
What’s your take: are reality TV cross-franchise couples built to last?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.