Ariana Madix has spent the last decade of her life on reality television, starring on nine seasons of Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. After her headline grabbing on-screen breakup with costar and longtime boyfriend Tom Sandoval, Ariana was catapulted to a new level of fame, becoming one of the most prominent reality stars in the world nearly overnight. Though she had previously been a supporting character, her powerful post-breakup presence on Vanderpump Rules made her the star of the show and earned her several awards. She has firmly cemented herself as a reality TV icon. With that kind of experience under her belt, there is no one better suited than Ariana to offer islanders words of wisdom as they get ready to step into the spotlight of their own show.
Ariana Knows Best
“I think that as long as they continue to remain themselves — they were so good at just being so true to themselves last season on Love Island. This is obviously a different setting. It’s more real-world. It’s just a different environment. But I think as long as they stick to that and be really themselves, I feel like that’s why we all fell in love with them in the first place,” Ariana shared with Decider.
'Beyond the Villa' Will Offer Something Different
Beyond the Villa, on the other hand, is expected to offer something far more organic. Rather than competing in a game of attrition for love and a cash prize, the former islanders will be out in the real world living their actual lives — navigating love, friendships, careers, and newfound fame — and cameras will capture it all unfolding naturally. This show will adopt a documentary-style format, meaning it will be far more like Vanderpump Rules than Love Island, which again makes Ariana the perfect person to offer guidance and expertise. Let’s hope the islanders take her advice to heart.
Authenticity is Key on 'Beyond the Villa'
This big shift in format means the cast will no longer be playing a gameshow in the campy environment of the villa, where the conditions are controlled and there aren’t real-world stakes. Instead, the season six stars will be showing who they are outside of that curated bubble — and that added layer of vulnerability is what will make or break the show. For fans to stay invested, the cast needs to be as raw and real as they were on Love Island.
While there’s no set air date for Love Island: Beyond the Villa, the next season of Love Island USA is mere days away. Will they be able to capture the same magic we saw in season six? We’ll find out on June 3.
