{"id":46801,"date":"2023-10-18T12:00:36","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T12:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/18\/ariana-madix-on-surviving-heartache-dwts-and-finding-love-again\/"},"modified":"2023-10-18T12:00:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T12:00:36","slug":"ariana-madix-on-surviving-heartache-dwts-and-finding-love-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/18\/ariana-madix-on-surviving-heartache-dwts-and-finding-love-again\/","title":{"rendered":"Ariana Madix on Surviving Heartache, \u2018DWTS,\u2019 and Finding Love Again"},"content":{"rendered":"


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In early March, Ariana Madix<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s world turned upside down when it was revealed that her boyfriend of nine years, Tom Sandoval<\/strong><\/a>, was cheating on her with her close friend and fellow Vanderpump Rules<\/em><\/a> costar Rachel \u201cRaquel\u201d Leviss<\/strong><\/a>. What followed was a surreal chain of events for Madix as \u201cScandoval\u201d<\/a> gripped the nation, setting social media ablaze and breathing new life into the Bravo reality series<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A longtime fan favorite thanks to her refreshing mix of girl\u2019s-girl energy and vulnerability, Madix was suddenly the TV star everyone everywhere was rooting for. As the demise of her relationship played out IRL and on the show (production on season 10 resumed as soon as the news broke), the Florida native, 38, released breakup merch, was cast in a Lifetime movie<\/a> and even got invited to the White House Correspondents\u2019 Dinner<\/a>. Her now-iconic confrontation with Sandoval during the season finale<\/a> was a master class in badassery, and in September, it was announced she was joining season 32 of Dancing With the Stars<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Eight months after the drama unfolded, Madix \u2014 who\u2019s been dating New York\u2013based fitness coach Daniel Wai<\/strong><\/a> since April \u2014 says she feels more confident than ever and is focused on looking forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis situation made me realize that I can do hard things,\u201d she tells Us<\/em>. \u201cThe worst-case scenario literally did happen, and I was OK. Like, look \u2014 you can handle what\u2019s thrown at you.\u201d Madix sat down with Us<\/em> on the set of her cover shoot in L.A. to talk about what\u2019s next for her.<\/p>\n

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\n \u201cI\u2019m somebody who never really wanted to grow up. [but] over time, I\u2019ve been able to love myself more,\u201d Madix says.<\/span> Jeff Lipsky For Foureleven Agency<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Were you aware of how big Scandoval<\/a> was when it was happening?<\/strong>
\nI was off social media initially, so friends filled me in here and there. I was like, \u201cThis is crazy,\u201d but it was also happening in the midst of not eating and not sleeping. It was a weird juxtaposition of emotions and feelings.<\/p>\n

Is there a moment from that time that stands out?<\/strong>
I can\u2019t believe there was a mention<\/a> made during the White House Correspondents\u2019 Dinner. The president heard it. I was like, \u201cThat\u2019s awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Have your feelings toward Tom<\/a> or Rachel<\/a> changed?<\/strong>
No.<\/p>\n

Fans really embraced you in the wake of the scandal. Has it been nice to connect to them in a new way?<\/strong>
It\u2019s incredible. Sometimes I\u2019ll go to the mall and meet someone who\u2019s been through a similar situation. And then we\u2019ll talk in the middle of Sephora and cry and hug each other.<\/p>\n

This deeply personal scenario gave VPR<\/em><\/a> a huge boost. How does that feel?<\/strong>
I know it\u2019s a show, and it\u2019s very entertaining, and I\u2019m happy about that, but it\u2019s also my real life. Sometimes that line is blurred, but of course, I want the show to do well.<\/p>\n

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\"Tom<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>Pump Rules’ Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval’s Relationship Timeline<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tLeaving their mark on reality TV. Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix found themselves at the center of drama after joining Bravo\u2019s Vanderpump Rules. Viewers were initially introduced to Sandoval\u2019s love life through his tumultuous relationship with Kristen Doute. Amid their on-and-off relationship, the former couple\u2019s future was called into question when Madix came to work [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How\u2019s Dancing With the Stars<\/em><\/a> going?<\/strong>
I\u2019m having the best time<\/a>. If I could do rehearsals and performances every day for the rest of my life, I\u2019d be happy. I find it so rewarding and fun.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s been the hardest part?<\/strong>
The wear and tear on the body. Regardless of being in shape or not, you\u2019re not dancing in heels every day. That starts to affect you in ways you didn\u2019t expect. [It\u2019s] intense \u2014 I spend a lot of time icing my feet at home.<\/p>\n

Has anything surprised you about the experience?<\/strong>
It doesn\u2019t feel like a competition [but] more like this fun thing<\/a> that we\u2019re all doing together, that we\u2019re all lucky to experience \u2014 the cast, the pros and the crew included.<\/p>\n

Who\u2019s your biggest competition?<\/strong>
I am. I can\u2019t be Lele<\/strong> [Pons<\/strong>]<\/a> or 17-year-old Xochitl<\/strong> [Gomez<\/strong>]<\/a>. I can only be 38-year-old Ariana Madix. I\u2019m just trying to be the best version of myself, stay in my lane and keep my eyes on my own paper.<\/p>\n

Who have you gotten closest with?<\/strong>
I\u2019ve really connected with Lele. We\u2019re very similar, and she\u2019s just so fun. Barry <\/strong>[Williams<\/strong>]<\/a> is so lovely. I\u2019ve made friends with some of the pros, too. There isn\u2019t anyone I don\u2019t love.<\/p>\n

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\n \u201cI like to work, and I always want to do more,\u201d Madix says of reaching for the stars.<\/span> Jeff Lipsky For Foureleven Agency<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Has dancing changed how you feel about yourself?<\/strong>
If you were to put me in my samba outfit three months ago and say, \u201cOK, go have lunch in this on Vanderpump Rules<\/em>,\u201d I would\u2019ve been really self-conscious. But I\u2019m focused more on what I\u2019m doing and less on how I look, and that\u2019s different for sure.<\/p>\n

You have a lot going on with DWTS<\/em>, filming VPR<\/em><\/a> and your sandwich shop<\/a> with castmate Katie Maloney<\/a>. How do you balance it all?<\/strong>
I\u2019m not balancing anything! [Laughs<\/em>.] I\u2019m on the verge of falling apart at all times. No, I mean, when it\u2019s time to rest, I make sure I truly rest. I have no social life right now. I don\u2019t remember what it\u2019s like to go to a bar.<\/p>\n

What do you do for self-care?<\/strong>
Sleep. And honestly, being outside and cuddling with my animals and getting to spend time with my friends and family is the best.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve said you go to therapy. Did that help after the breakup?<\/strong>
Therapy helped 100 percent. Some of the work I was doing in therapy right before all of this set me up to be in a much better position. It could\u2019ve been so much worse<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How are things with Daniel<\/a>? Are you exclusive?<\/strong>
We are.<\/p>\n

How does it feel to have him flying to see you<\/a> on DWTS<\/em> every week?<\/strong>
It\u2019s awesome. He\u2019s incredibly supportive<\/a>. He sacrifices his sleep and time to help me with anything I need, and then he takes a red-eye back and goes straight to work.<\/p>\n

Sounds like a keeper!<\/strong>
He\u2019ll clean up things that are left out and [does] little things you don\u2019t really think about. When I come home from the show and everything\u2019s clean and there\u2019s food in the fridge that he made, it\u2019s like, \u201cWow, that\u2019s so nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n \u201cThe worst case scenario literally did happen, and I was OK,\u201d says Madix.<\/span> Jeff Lipsky For Foureleven Agency<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Were you nervous about getting into another relationship?<\/strong>
I\u2019m nervous about everything all the time. [Laughs<\/em>.] It\u2019s just part of my personality.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve talked about not being into the idea of marriage<\/a>. Do you think that will change?<\/strong>
I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

You opened up about your fertility journey<\/a> on VPR<\/em>. What\u2019s the latest with your frozen eggs<\/a>?<\/strong>
Well, they\u2019re still on ice, so that\u2019s good.<\/p>\n

Do you have plans to do anything with them?<\/strong>
Not yet.<\/p>\n

During season 1 of VPR<\/em>, you were hesitant to be on camera. What advice would you go back and give that version of Ariana?<\/strong>
Don\u2019t date abusive men who won\u2019t let you shine and be on a TV show \u2014 because that\u2019s what was going on and why I didn\u2019t want to be on camera.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>\u2018Vanderpump Rules\u2019 Cast: Then and Now<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tWhile some things never change, the cast of Vanderpump Rules is used to a shake-up \u2026 and a touch-up. Vanderpump Rules was introduced to Bravo viewers during a special episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in January 2013. Season 1 starred Lisa Vanderpump, who was a Beverly Hills Housewife at the time, Stassi [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How have you changed since the show began in 2013?<\/strong>
I\u2019ve grown up. I\u2019m somebody who never really wanted to grow up. [But] over time, I\u2019ve been able to love myself more and give myself a lot more grace when it comes to things we go through during filming. And that has allowed me to give others more grace.<\/p>\n

Would you ever do your own spinoff series?<\/strong>
Sure. Why not? [I\u2019d bring] all the girls. And James<\/strong> [Kennedy<\/strong>]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re close with Lala Kent<\/a>, Scheana Shay<\/a> and Katie. How did they support you through everything you\u2019ve experienced?<\/strong>
They\u2019ve been there for me, physically in the sense of coming over or giving me a place to go, and giving me advice and being there to cheer me up.<\/p>\n

Were you surprised by anyone\u2019s support?<\/strong>
Nobody surprised me. It\u2019s been exactly what you would think.<\/p>\n

You have a new book, Single AF Cocktails<\/em><\/a>, coming out December 5. What was your inspiration?<\/strong>
I was inspired by Beyonc\u00e9<\/strong><\/a>, Taylor Swift<\/a> and Kacey Musgraves<\/a> to put all of it out there in an almost breakup-album style. I\u2019ve always expressed myself through creative outlets. I\u2019d love to do other kinds of books, too.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your signature cocktail?<\/strong>
A mezcal Paloma. That\u2019s my sh*t right there.<\/p>\n

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\n \u201cI\u2019m just trying to be the best version of myself, stay in my lane and keep my eyes on my own paper,\u201d \u2028Madix says.<\/span> Jeff Lipsky For Foureleven Agency<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You used to bartend<\/a> at hotspots in NYC. Any memorable celebrity encounters<\/a>?<\/strong>
At Butter we saw everybody. Kanye<\/strong> [West<\/strong>]<\/a> and LeBron<\/strong> [James<\/strong>]<\/a> used to come in together. Leonardo<\/strong> [DiCaprio<\/strong>]<\/a> was friends with the owners, so he used to come in a lot. As an elder millennial, I was obsessed. I would walk by [his table] so slowly, like, \u201cJust notice me.\u201d I\u2019m from a small town in Florida. I couldn\u2019t believe he was there.<\/p>\n

Is it true you lived out of your car<\/a> when you first moved to L.A.?<\/strong>
I was living with a friend who decided not to renew their lease at the last minute. I didn\u2019t have anywhere to go, and I didn\u2019t have any money. I was in and out of my car and couch surfing. I ended up getting into a really bad relationship because the guy had said I could stay with him.<\/p>\n

Back then, did you imagine you\u2019d find the stardom you have now?<\/strong>
Absolutely not. I was just hoping that, at some point, I could have steady acting work<\/a> and be able to pay bills. I still have that mindset in the sense that if I don\u2019t take a job or don\u2019t say yes to things, I\u2019ll be back in that position. It\u2019s not like working in a bank, which is straightforward. Things are always up in the air in this world.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>Biggest Bombshells From the Extended ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Reunion<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tAdding more context to the drama. Vanderpump Rules fans got even more surprises if they tuned into Peacock\u2019s extended version of the season 10 reunion. In the longer addition of part 1 of the reunion, which started streaming on Thursday, May 25, Tom Sandoval explained when he originally planned to tell Ariana Madix about his [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Do you have any other goals?<\/strong>
Owning my own home and being on Broadway. I dreamed about that when I was a little kid and still do. I\u2019d [also] love to host my own dating show <\/a>\u2014 specifically a queer dating show. There needs to be more of that.<\/p>\n

Are there any other reality shows you\u2019d you like to try out?<\/strong>
I\u2019d love to be a judge on Top Chef<\/em> <\/a>because I really like to eat.<\/p>\n

What about more acting?<\/strong>
Oh, absolutely. I want to do everything.<\/p>\n

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?<\/strong>
Oh, man. I\u2019d love to be living in Ojai [California] and have goats and a small but successful goat cheese business. It sounds so good, right?<\/p>\n

What do you want your reality-TV legacy to be?<\/strong>
For everyone who comes on reality TV to be able to be themselves, whether or not it makes them a \u201cgood\u201d reality star. A lot of people might consider me somewhat bad at this job, but I feel like that\u2019s what makes me, me.<\/p>\n

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