**Ariana Madix: Hosting Love Island USA is My Dream Role**
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As the highly anticipated eighth season of Love Island USA approaches its premiere on June 2, host Ariana Madix is thrilled to discuss her experiences and the unique challenges that come with presenting the popular dating reality show. For Madix, once known for her role on Vanderpump Rules, this gig has become not just a job but a true passion.
Speaking to PEOPLE, 40-year-old Madix expressed her excitement about returning to the beautiful setting of Fiji for the new season. “Hosting Love Island is my dream job,” she declared, acknowledging that while the role affords her numerous opportunities, it is not without its hurdles. One of the more significant challenges, according to Madix, is the feeling of being distanced from her everyday life. She explained, “The worst thing is just being so far away from home, especially when you’re in such a wildly different time zone.” However, she noted that this disconnect can also have its advantages, allowing her a degree of freedom from the pressures of daily life.
Madix’s experiences on Vanderpump Rules have provided her with a strong foundation for this new endeavour. Unlike her previous show, where episodes often took months to air after filming concluded, Love Island offers a more immediate connection between filming and broadcast. “I feel like there’s less time to worry,” she explained. “With Vanderpump, you had months to overthink everything you did and said. This is almost, maybe, better for me.”
Reflecting on previous seasons, Madix highlighted the success of contestant Olandria Carthen, whom she immediately admired upon seeing her casting sheet. Carthen, the runner-up from last season, has gained significant recognition since her time in the villa. “I could’ve told you that was gonna happen. The girl’s a star,” Madix remarked, expressing her pride in Carthen’s journey. “I felt like I related to her on so many levels, and I’m excited to see what she does next.”
In a recent conversation, Madix revealed that her dream of hosting a show like Love Island was an aspiration she often discussed with friends. “It’s something that I think I would’ve talked about in my living room as a dream job I would love to have,” she shared. The success of the series has surpassed her expectations, with Madix noting its monumental rise in popularity. She proudly stated, “Not only am I the host of my favourite show, but I’m also the host of the number-one show in all of streaming, scripted or unscripted.”
As she prepares for the new season, Madix has also offered some advice to the contestants about to enter the villa. “It sounds cliché, but be yourself,” she urged potential contestants. “Being yourself is what made the people who make the show fall in love with you, and that’s what’s going to resonate with the audience.” Her encouragement for authenticity and vulnerability reflects her belief that genuine connections are key to success on the show.
With the countdown to season 8 well underway, Madix is looking forward to another summer filled with romance, drama, and unforgettable moments on screen. Hopeful romantics and fans alike can catch the season premiere of Love Island USA on Peacock, as Madix continues to embrace her role in bringing this captivating social experiment to life.
As viewers gear up for the show’s return, Madix’s insights and enthusiasm serve as a reminder of the exciting journey ahead for both contestants and fans. One can only wonder what twists and turns the new season will bring.