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Sumnima Kandangwa

Freelance Editorial Assistant for Style by SCMP


Love Island USA is back with another season of messy contestants, steamy scenes and jaw-dropping betrayals. The hit reality dating show premiered its eighth season on June 2, debuting its latest line-up of “islanders”.
The show has become a pop-culture sensation since the original UK version first aired in 2015. Clips of contestants back-stabbing their partners, awkward dates and hilarious exchanges go viral on the internet every year.

While the islanders change every year, host Ariana Madix has been a constant on the US show since she became its permanent frontwoman in 2024. She previously starred in Bravo’s reality TV series, Vanderpump Rules.
As we gear up for the latest season of Love Island USA, here’s everything you need to know about host Ariana Madix.
What is Ariana Madix’s background?

Madix was born in 1985 and grew up in Florida. Her father, who died in 2013, was a roofing contractor while her mother is a project manager mostly working with space-related companies.
“We weren’t rich by any means, but we certainly had the best that they could have given,” Madix told Glamour about her upbringing.
She was six when she was enrolled into horse riding and theatre classes. At school, she was a high-achieving student, excelling at maths and science.
How did Ariana Madix get into showbiz?

After high school, Madix, who dreamed of becoming an actor and working on Broadway, got accepted into an acting conservatory in New York – but was pushed by her parents to follow a more conventional path. She continued her studies at Flagler College in Florida, according to Glamour.
After graduating, Madix moved to New York to give acting a shot and spent five years working odd jobs as a hostess or bartender. Not landing any acting credits aside from starring in a few CollegeHumor videos, she moved to Los Angeles where she got a bartending job at a Beverly Hills restaurant called Villa Blanca. As it turned out, it was owned by none other than Real Housewife of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump.
When the idea for a spin-off reality series featuring the staff at Vanderpump’s restaurant was pitched, Madix was reportedly hesitant to join, but was convinced by co-worker Scheana Shay. She went on to become a regular on Vanderpump Rules for 11 seasons until it was announced that the show’s 12th season would feature new cast members.
Who is Ariana Madix dating?

The 40-year-old reality TV star was in a long-term relationship with her Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval. The pair broke up in 2023 after nine years when she found out that Sandoval had been cheating on her with their co-star and friend, Rachel Leviss. The entire scandal, dubbed the “Scandoval”, aired on TV and was an internet sensation.

Since then, Madix has moved on and is reportedly dating Daniel Wai, a personal trainer and fitness coach based in New York.


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All you need to know about Ariana Madix, host of Love Island USA

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The 40-year-old reality TV star was in a long-term relationship with her Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval – until he cheated on her with her close friend


The 40-year-old reality TV star was in a long-term relationship with her Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval – until he cheated on her with her close friend.


All you need to know about Ariana Madix, host of Love Island USA

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 40-year-old reality TV star was in a long-term relationship with her Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval – until he cheated on her with her close friend

The 40-year-old reality TV star was in a long-term relationship with her Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval – until he cheated on her with her close friend