‘Survivor’: Is Benjamin ‘Coach’ Wade Married? What We Know About His Love Life
Benjamin “Coach” Wade is one of the most talked-about Survivor players of all time, which is why it’s no surprise that he’s been invited back to play for a fourth time on Season 50. Coach made his Survivor debut on the show’s 18th season in 2009, then returned for Season 20 one year later. During his third appearance (Season 23 in 2011), Coach came this close to being named Sole Survivor, ultimately finishing in second place.
Now, he’s back for redemption, and based on previews and preseason interviews, the self-proclaimed “dragonslayer” is bringing back his same lovable and eccentric personality.
But what is his life like outside of the game? Coach has a wife and family back at home, and we rounded up everything to know about them. Plus, the tea on those Jerri Manthey romance rumors!
Who is Coach’s wife?
Coach is married to Jessica Newton. They tied the knot on December 31, 2011. On their 10-year anniversary, Coach wrote on Instagram, “10 years ago you took a chance on us and eloped with a selfish arrogant man. Today our growth symbolizes all that love should be. Love is empowering, when you find the right one. Never degrading, rarely selfish, always allowing freedom and forever giving purpose. Thank you for taking that chance @jessicanewtonwade_. Happy New Year and Happy 10th anniversary 💖.”
After eloping, they seemingly had an official wedding in July 2013, as Coach also acknowledged the 10-year anniversary of that occasion in a separate post. “You can have your cake and eat it too fellas,” he gushed. “Marriage is frigging AWESOME! Happy 10th anniversary.”
Jessica is the owner of J&J Performing Arts dance studio. She grew up dancing and opened her studio when she was just 18 years old. Jessica has performed all over the world and danced in many productions.
Does Coach have kids?
Yes, Coach and Jessica are parents to two children. Their daughter, Lenna, was born in May 2014, and their son, Bekston, was born in October 2016.
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Jessica also has a son, Avvan, from a previous relationship. He was born in February 2009.
Did Coach date Jerri Manthey?
No, Coach and Manthey never actually dated, although they did briefly have a flirtatious relationship on Season 20 of Survivor. The two were both on the Villains tribe and were part of the same alliance early on. Some of their cast members teased them about the nature of their relationship, but nothing ever happened between them, Coach revealed after he was eliminated.
“We really hit it off,” he admitted. “I looked like a little school boy peeking over the bushes, flirting with her. There were a couple of times when Jerri and I, you could feel it, it was like, ‘OK, I think we’re about ready to kiss.’ But there were cameras around so we wouldn’t. I think it is very tough to start a relationship out there.”
Meanwhile, Manthey said that her flirting with Coach was for game purposes. “I find Coach to be a very fascinating person,” she admitted. “And I knew going into the game that he was a very loyal, honest person. And those are the kinds of people you really want to keep around you in Survivor. So, I made it a point to bond with him immediately. I just didn’t realize I was going to have such a strong effect on him.”
At the time, she revealed that she was “looking forward to getting to know Coach outside of the game,” but nothing transpired once filming ended.
Survivor, Season 50 Premiere, Wednesday, February 25, 8/7c, CBS
